Culture📖 3 min read

Jharkhand's Four Products Get GI Tag: Traditional Crafts Recognized

Four traditional products from Jharkhand have recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing their unique origin and cultural significance.

Source: GNews GI Tag India
Summary of News

Four traditional products from Jharkhand have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. These products are Jharkhand Sohrai-Khovar Painting, Jharkhand Sohrai Art, Jharkhand Khovar Art, and Jharkhand Sohrai-Khovar Handicraft. The GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin. This recognition helps protect the uniqueness of these traditional items and promotes their economic value. The GI tag ensures that only products originating from Jharkhand can use these names, preventing misuse and ensuring authenticity. This move is expected to boost the livelihoods of local artisans and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Jharkhand.

Why It Matters

This news is important for competitive exams, especially for topics related to Indian culture, intellectual property rights, and government initiatives for promoting traditional arts. Aspirants should know about the GI tag system, its benefits, and examples of products that have received it. It links to UPSC GS Paper I (Indian Heritage and Culture) and GS Paper III (Intellectual Property Rights), as well as General Awareness sections in SSC and Banking exams.

Key Points for Exam
  • Four traditional products from Jharkhand received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
  • The products are Jharkhand Sohrai-Khovar Painting, Jharkhand Sohrai Art, Jharkhand Khovar Art, and Jharkhand Sohrai-Khovar Handicraft.
  • The GI tag is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
  • India became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995.
  • The first product to receive a GI tag in India was Darjeeling Tea in 2004.
  • The GI tag is valid for a period of 10 years and can be renewed.
Important Keywords Explained
Geographical Indication (GI) Tagconcept

A GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. It acts as a certification that the product possesses certain qualities, is made according to traditional methods, or enjoys a certain reputation due to its geographical origin. It helps protect intellectual property rights.

Sohrai-Khovar Paintingconcept

Sohrai and Khovar are traditional tribal art forms practiced by women in Jharkhand. Sohrai art is created during the harvest festival, while Khovar art is made during weddings. These paintings use natural colours and depict nature, animals, and traditional motifs, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region.

GI Registryorganization

The Geographical Indications Registry is responsible for registering Geographical Indications in India. It functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The registry is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and processes applications for GI tags.

Additional Facts & Context
1The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act came into force in September 2003.
2As of 2023, India has over 400 registered GI products.
3The GI tag is a part of the intellectual property rights (IPRs) covered under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
4The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) defines GI as a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin.
Examiner's Tip

Exams frequently ask about the first GI-tagged product in India, the Act governing GI tags, and examples of famous GI products from different states. Questions may also cover the benefits of GI tags for local economies.

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Memory Trick

Remember 'GI' for 'Geographical Identity' it protects products based on where they come from, like Jharkhand's unique arts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag?

The main purpose of a GI tag is to identify goods originating from a specific geographical territory, possessing distinct quality, reputation, or other characteristics primarily attributable to their place of origin. It helps prevent unauthorized use of the GI by others.

How does a GI tag benefit local artisans and producers?

A GI tag benefits local artisans and producers by providing legal protection against imitation and unauthorized use of their product's name. It enhances the product's market value, promotes exports, and helps preserve traditional knowledge and cultural heritage, thereby improving livelihoods.

Which government body is responsible for granting GI tags in India?

In India, the Geographical Indications Registry, operating under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is responsible for granting and administering GI tags. The registry is based in Chennai.

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