10 Jan 7 Odisha products get GI tag
This article covers ‘Daily Current Affairs’ and the topic details of ‘7 Odisha products get GI tag’ This topic is relevant in the “Culture and Indian Economy” section of the UPSC CSE exam.
Why in the News?
Owing to their uniqueness within the state, seven goods from Odisha—from the embroidered Kapdaganda shawl to the Similipal Kai chutney prepared with red weaver ants—have been awarded the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) marking. Recently, a total of 17 items from various states have been assigned the GI tag.
What is a GI tag?
- A geographical indicator, often known as a GI, is a label applied to goods that are known for coming from a certain place and have characteristics or an image that is unique to that place.
- According to the Paris Convention for the safeguarding of Industrial Property, geographical indications are protected as a form of intellectual property.
- The WTO Declaration on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) governs and guides it.
- The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 oversees the Geographical Indications certification process in India.
- Products related to agriculture, cuisine, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industry are generally classified according to their geographic origin.
- Famous goods like Pashmina Shawls, Basmati Rice, Kancheepuram Silk, and Darjeeling Tea are just a few that have been awarded GI tags.
- Validity : 1) A product can use its GI tag for 10 years after it was first issued.
2) It could still be extended for an additional ten years.
3) No one else may use a GI tag for a goods that is not made in the designated geographical region while the tag is valid.
4) By doing this, the original producer’ rights are safeguarded and other parties are prevented from using the tag on their goods.
5) Customers are additionally reassured regarding the product’s genuineness thanks to it.
GI registration :
- The correct procedure for registering geographically indicated products involves submitting an application, being subject to preliminary investigation and scrutiny, publishing a show cause notice in the geographical indications magazine, receiving objections to registration, and finally registering the product.
- Applications may be made by any group of individuals, producers, organisations, or authorities created by or under the legislation.
The applicant needs to speak on behalf of the producers.
Advantages of GI Labeling :
- It assists in locating the authentic goods originating from a particular area.
- This contributes to the products’ promotion and rise in consumption.
- By prohibiting others from using the GI tag on their products, it aids in defending the rights of the original creators.
- This aids in preserving the products’ authenticity and quality.
- It aids in advancing the conventional knowledge and abilities related to the product’s production.
- This contributes to the preservation of the area’s cultural legacy.
A brief overview of the seven products –
- Kapdaganda shawl : The shawl is a representation of the rich tribal heritage of the Dongria Kondh tribe. It was spun and beaded by the women of the tribe.The Dongaria Kondh tribe is one of the particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTG).
- Lanjia Saura Painting: Also referred to as Idital, this painting is among the earliest examples of tribal art. The artworks are renowned for their symbolism, ritual associations, beauty, and elegance. The Lanjia Saura community, a PVTG that primarily resides in the Rayagada district, is the owner of the art form.
- Koraput Kala Jeera Rice: Known as the “Prince of Rice,” this black-colored rice type is renowned for its flavour, texture, scent, and nutritional content.This rice variety has been conserved for over a millennium by tribal farmers in the Koraput region.
- Similipal Kai Chutney: In the Mayurbhanj region of Odisha, tribal households have an ancestral delicacy created from red weaver ants.The Similipal forests are home to the ants in the Mayurbhanj forests.
- Kanteimundi Brinjal : The entire plant, as well as the stems, of the Kanteimundi brinjal are renowned for their sharp thorns. The plants may be cultivated with little pesticide because they are resistant to large insects.
- Khajuri Guda: Originating in the Gajapati area of Odisha, “Khajuri Guda” or jaggery is a natural sweetener made from date palm trees. Since jaggery is organic by nature, it is traditionally made in a trapezoidal form known as “Patali Gur.”
Although India is confronted with the following GI-Tag challenges:
- State Conflicts: As evidenced by the Rasogolla case, state-level disagreements persist on GI ownership.
- Absence of Commercial Strategy: Inadequate plans for utilising GIs in international trade.
- Unauthorised Use: When GIs are misused by unapproved parties, they deceive customers and harm legitimate producers.
- IP Controversy Still Alive: The topic of GI protection in intellectual property rights is still quite controversial.
- Limited Organised activities: Not much in the way of organised activities other than defining uniqueness.
- Neglecting Quality Control: Pay more attention to source indication than to quality control, as demonstrated by Alphonso Mango.
- Marketing and Branding Gaps: Poor branding, advertising, and promotion—Basmati rice is one example of this.
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Prelims practice questions :
Q1) Which of the following is the primary purpose of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag?
a) To protect the rights of individuals
b) To promote global trade
c) To identify products as originating from a specific geographical location
d) To encourage competition among producers
Answer: c)
Q2) A Geographical Indication (GI) tag ensures that:
a) Products are available worldwide without restrictions
b) Only products from a specific region can use the designated name
c) Any producer can use the GI tag without permission
d) Consumers are not aware of the product’s origin
Answer: b)
Mains practice Question :
Q1) Explain the role of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in the protection of Geographical Indications (GIs). How does WIPO contribute to the global framework for safeguarding the rights associated with GIs?
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