What is a GI tag?
In India, if one thinks of Tirupati or Nagpur, often laddus and oranges come to mind, respectively. Both these products have GI tags.
While arguing for a GI tag, Tirumala Tirupati Devsthanam said in their application that the highest quality of raw material is procured for the production of the laddu prasad and a variety of skills are required for each stage of its making.
The GI tag for the Nagour orange reportedly helped farmers brand their products under the tag.
Any trader’s body, association, or organisation can apply for a GI tag.
The applicants need to prove the uniqueness of the item with historical records and a complete breakdown of how the product is made.
GI tags are also not meant just for popular products.
There are hundreds of GI tags across States.
Every GI tag recognises a particular region and product and brings it to the public eye.
It is important to note that the raw materials for such products do not have to come from that region (unless it is an agricultural tag).
The leaf that gives the Banarasi paan its identity is not grown in Varanasi;
It comes from Bihar, West Bengal, or Odisha.
The mulberry silk used in Kancheepuram sarees comes from Karnataka and the gold zari from Surat.
There are over 500 GI tags as of January 7, 2023.
There are 34 classes of products that can get GI tags, — from chemicals and paint to foodstuff, handicrafts, musical instruments, and even firearms and locomotives.
Handicrafts dominate the list, with over half the GI tags being given to products crafted by skilled artisans.
Benefits of a GI tag
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag holds a plethora of benefits for both producers and consumers.
For Producers:
Protection: The GI tag grants legal protection to unique products originating from a specific geographical area, safeguarding them from imitation and unfair competition.
This incentivizes producers to maintain the quality and distinctiveness of their products.
Enhanced Market Value: The GI tag adds prestige and premium value to the product, attracting a
wider consumer base willing to pay higher prices for the quality and authenticity associated with the tag.
This ultimately leads to increased income and economic prosperity for producers and communities.
Boosting Exports: The GI tag helps products stand out in the global market, facilitating international recognition and export opportunities.
This opens doors for wider market access and increased profits for producers.
Preserving Tradition & Skills: The GI tag encourages the preservation of traditional
knowledge, skills, and techniques used in creating the product.
This ensures the continuity of heritage and cultural identity associated with the region.
Sustainable Development: By promoting local production and fair trade practices, GI tags foster sustainable development in the region.
This benefits the environment, the local economy, and the overall well-being of the community.
For Consumers:
Quality Assurance: The GI tag serves as a guarantee of quality and authenticity.
Consumers can be confident that they are purchasing a genuine product with specific characteristics and superior taste or craftsmanship.
Transparency: The GI tag provides transparency about the product's origin, production methods, and ingredients.
This empowers consumers to make informed choices and support ethical and sustainable practices.
Cultural Discovery: GI tags connect consumers to the cultural heritage and unique traditions associated with the product.
This fosters appreciation for diversity and promotes cultural exchange.
Preserving Biodiversity: By encouraging sustainable production practices and protecting unique ecosystems, GI tags contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Application Process of GI tag
STEP 1 : Filing of application
STEP 2 and 3: Preliminary scrutiny and examination
STEP 4: Show cause notice
STEP 5: Publication in the geographical indications Journal
STEP 6: Opposition to Registration
STEP 7: Registration
STEP 8: Renewal
STEP 9: Additional protection to notified goods
STEP 10: Appeal
Distribution across states
Importance of GI tags in protecting and promoting India's diverse cultural heritage and unique products.
Geographical Indication (GI) tags play a crucial role in protecting and promoting India's diverse cultural heritage and unique products in several ways:
Protection of Cultural Heritage:
Preserving Traditional Knowledge: GI tags safeguard the centuries-old knowledge, skills, and techniques used in creating products like handloom textiles, handicrafts, and agricultural produce. This prevents their dilution and ensures their transmission to future generations.
Cultural Identity: GI tags highlight the link between a product and its geographical origin, fostering pride in local communities and strengthening their cultural identity.
They showcase the unique cultural heritage embedded in each product.
Combating Imitation: By granting legal protection, GI tags prevent cheap imitations and unfair competition that could undermine the value and cultural significance of authentic products.
Enhanced Market Value: The GI tag acts as a quality mark, raising the market value of products and fetching higher prices for producers.
Global Recognition: GI tags make India's unique products stand out in the international market, attracting wider attention and boosting export opportunities.
This leads to increased economic benefits for producers and the nation as a whole.
Consumer Awareness: GI tags educate consumers about the origin, quality, and special characteristics of products, encouraging them to make informed choices and support ethical and sustainable practices.
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