Govt to Provide Financial Assistance to Eligible Agencies to Promote GI

DPIIT is a division of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that deals with investments and intellectual property rights (IPRs). A geographical indication (GI), a type of IPR, is primarily an agricultural, natural, or manufactured product (handicraft and industrial goods) originating in a specific geographical territory.

Typically, such a name conveys a guarantee of high-quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin.

Basmati rice, Darjeeling Tea, Chanderi Fabric, Mysore Silk, Kullu Shawl, Kangra Tea, Thanjavur Paintings, Allahabad Surkha, Farrukhabad Prints, Lucknow Zardozi, and Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving are some of the well-known GI products.

"In accordance with the objectives of national IPR policy, the Government of India will provide financial support to eligible agencies for undertaking initiatives for Promotion of GIs, which seek to raise awareness about the significance of GIs and their uniqueness, promoting registered Indian GIs, identifying potential GIs, and encouraging stakeholders to register," the DPIIT stated in a note.

It stated that the goal is to provide various platforms to GI stakeholders, providing them with numerous opportunities for business development and income generation. Initiatives would also capture the socioeconomic status of GI goods producers, their livelihood conditions, and other related information, which would aid in the development of appropriate policy interventions, according to the statement.

According to the statement, "financial assistance will be extended to eligible agencies as 100% grants in aid for undertaking initiatives for the promotion of GIs." The assistance will be disbursed based on actual expenditure or the maximum permissible amount for grants-in-aid as specified in the operational guidelines, whichever is less.

Concerning eligible agencies, it stated that the department may undertake initiatives for the promotion of GIs both within the country and abroad, either alone or in collaboration with Indian diplomatic missions or its agency, or jointly with India's apex industry chambers and their overseas counterparts.

When a product receives a GI tag, no one or company may sell a similar item under that name. This tag is valid for ten years after which it can be renewed. Other advantages of GI registration include legal protection for the item, prevention of unauthorized use by others, and export promotion.