The Government of India’s (GoI) Geographical Indication Registry granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags to 19 traditional crafts of Assam, 2 from Tripura, and 4 from Meghalaya.
These 19 GI’s from Assam includes:
i.Assam Bihu Dhol: A two-faced drum integral to Assam’s folk culture; featured prominently in the Guinness World Record-breaking Bihu dance.
ii.Assam Jaapi: Symbolizing pride, made of bamboo and palm leaves, used traditionally as headgear by farmers and holds cultural significance in Assam.
iii.Sarthebari Metal Craft: Handmade bell metal utensils with socio-cultural and religious significance, part of ritual practices in Assam.
iv.Assam Pani Mateka Craft: Utilized for craft-making by Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission, generating employment from what was once considered waste.
v.Assam Mising Handloom Products: Traditional cloth-making by the Mising indigenous community includes garments with cultural significance, often woven for special occasions.
vi.Assam Asharikandi Terracotta Craft: Produced by over 100 families in Assam’s Dhubri district, part of one of North East India’s largest clusters, using clay and sand baked with earthen color.
Thirteen other Assamese items, associated with the Bodo people, the state’s largest indigenous population, have also been granted GI tags. These include,
- Dokhona (traditional attire), Eri Silk / Indi Silk (fabric of peace), Jwmgra (scarf), and Gamsa (traditional dress for men).
- Among these 13 items, three are agricultural products viz. Gongar Dunjia, Keradapini – (Plant, Shrub), and Khardwi while six are musical instruments viz. Kham, Serja, Thorkha, Jotha – Bodo Musical Instrument, Gongona, and Sifung.
Tripura’s Pachra/Rignai Textile and Tripura Matabari Peda gets GI tag
The Tripura also secured the following two GI tags:
i.The ‘Tripura Pachra/Rignai Textile’, which is a traditional hand-woven attire, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans using indigenous materials.
ii.The other for the Tripura Matabari Peda (Sweet made of milk and sugar) of Mata Tripura Sundari Temple.
Meghalaya secured 4 GI tags
Meghalaya also secured 4 GI tags which are as follows:
- Meghalaya Garo Dakmanda Textile, which is linked to socio-cultural and religious rituals
- Meghalaya Lyrnai Pottery
- Meghalaya Chubitchi (Rice Liquor)
- Lakadong Turmeric
List of Goods received GI tags:
| State | GI Product | Goods |
|---|---|---|
| Assam | Assam Bihu Dhol | Handi Crafts |
| Assam Jaapi | ||
| Sarthebari Metal Craft | ||
| Assam Pani Mateka Craft | ||
| Assam Asharikandi Terracotta Craft | ||
| Thorka | ||
| Sifung | ||
| Kham | ||
| Serja | ||
| Jotha – Bodo Musical Instrument | ||
| Gongona | ||
| Assam Mising Handloom Products | Textiles | |
| Dokhona | ||
| Eri Silk / Indi Silk | ||
| Jwmgra | ||
| Gamsa | ||
| Gongar Dunjia | Agriculture | |
| Keradapini – (Plant, Shrub) | ||
| Khardwi | ||
| Tripura | Tripura Pachra/Rignai Textile | Textiles |
| Tripura Matabari Peda (Sweet) | Food Stuffs | |
| Meghalaya | Meghalaya Garo Dakmanda Textile | Textiles |
| Meghalaya Larnai Pottery | Handi Crafts | |
| Meghalaya Chubitchi (Rice Liquor) | Manufactured Goods | |
| Lakadong Turmeric | Agriculture |
About GI Tags:
i.A GI tag is a name or sign used on products that corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g., a town, region, or country).
ii.International agreements like the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (Articles 1(2) and 10) and the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement (Articles 22–24) recognize and govern geographical indications.
iii.India, a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the GI of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, w.e.f. September 15, 2003, and is aimed at registering and safeguarding geographical indications and preserving the heritage and uniqueness of products linked to specific geographic regions.
- Note: Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to get a GI tag in the year 2004, the GI tag for Darjeeling Tea (Agriculture) has been renewed and is valid up to October 26, 2033.
Recent Related News:
i.The Geographical Indications Registry awarded GI tag to Goa Cashew (Kaju Or Caju). The unique identity and taste of Goa cashews result from the overall climatological impact of Goa and traditional farming practices followed by Goans.It is the 10th product of the state to get the coveted GI tag.
ii.The Government of Assam has declared Kaji Nemu (Citrus Limon) as the State Fruit of Assam. The announcement was made by Assam’s Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, following a Cabinet meeting. Kaji Nemu is also known as the “Queen of all citrus fruits”
About Geographical Indications Registry:
It has been established in Chennai to administer the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registrationand Protection) Act, 1999 under the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM).
Headquarters– Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN)
