Geographical Indication (GI) is a form of Intellectual Property right that identifies goods originating from a specific geographical location and having distinct nature, quality and characteristics linked to that location. The essence of GI lies in its role as a guardian of origin, affirming the unique qualities and reputation embedded in products linked to specific geographic locales. Distinct from trademarks, GIs prioritize the geographic source over individual producers, preserving traditional methods intrinsic to the region. In the era of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat,’ GI emerges as a pivotal force, injecting vitality into diverse sectors of the economy. India’s rich tapestry of over 475 registered GIs vividly illustrates the country’s cultural diversity. From the iconic Darjeeling Tea to the intricate craftsmanship of Banarasi sarees, each GI not only signifies product authenticity but also amplifies the brand recognition of the entire region. Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra lead in GI registrations, a testament to the country’s vast heritage waiting to be unveiled.
The government through its visionary initiatives and dedicated efforts, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of GI tagged products, thereby fostering economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and enhancing the global recognition of India’s unique offerings. Under the visionary leadership of Sh. Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister- the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) spearheaded by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles, has played a pivotal role in generating awareness and empowering communities to capitalize on the benefits of GI. By introducing training modules and workshops, DPIIT is equipping stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance the quality, finish, and packaging of GI products, making them more appealing to national and international markets. The inclusion of GI modules in the training of IAS probationers since 2019 reflects a forward-looking approach to instil proactive identification and promotion of potential GIs at the district and state levels, fostering the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
India’s GI Mosaic Unravelled!
At the policy level, the government’s discussions on framing a new scheme to modernize GIs highlight its dedication to aligning these products with the demands of both national and international markets. The collaboration with the Indian Institute of Packaging in Mumbai for training courses on innovative and attractive packaging is a commendable step toward ensuring the market competitiveness of GI products. The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative is a transformative stride toward achieving balanced regional development, aligning seamlessly with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Local to Global’. By selecting, branding, and promoting one unique product from each district, ODOP is not only promoting socio-economic progress but also recognizing and celebrating the distinctive characteristics of each region. The comprehensive list of 761 products, including 80 GI products, showcases the close connection between local communities and their special products.
Under ODOP, the government has implemented various activities to promote GI products, such as Detailed Product Action Reports, Buyer-Seller Meets, and creating Market Linkages. These activities are crucial for facilitating trade, improving market access, and enhancing the visibility of GI goods globally. The emphasis on training and
