Enlightening the artisans of Rajasthan about GI tags incentives
Artisans from various districts of Rajasthan joined in as a body to attend a one day program organised in Udaipur to sensitise them about the benefits of geographical indication (GI).
Attended by over hundred artisans from six districts of Rajasthan such as Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand and Udaipur, the programme was organised by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, Government of India and the Industries department of Rajasthan government to let them know the about the commercial advantages of geographical indications. Many of the artisans showed a keen interest to get GI registration for regional arts of Koftgari, Daboo Print, Pichwai Painting and others.
The artisans participating in the program were educated upon the process of GI registration, identification of the product, documentation required and filing process.
According to an official, “the artisans were told that GI ensures that the local artisans receive the advantage of the intellectual heritage and the products are identified from the region of their origin.”
As of now, there are total 15 products, including crafts and eatables from Rajasthan are registered under GI tag. Of them Kota Doriya of Kota, Thewa art of Udaipur, and Marble from Makrana are associated with craftsmanship.
Training more artisans about the GI tags and patents is vital for new generation artisans which are innovating the traditional crafts to make sustainable products.
