Uttar Pradesh Leads India in GI Tags

• 18 Apr 2024

Why in News?

With six new additions, Uttar Pradesh retains its position as the state with the most GI-tagged products in India, reaching a total of 75.

Key Points

• This comprises the renowned 'Tirangi Barfi' from Kashi, a tri coloured sweet that was traded to make a statement by freedom fighters in the Quit India Movement.
• The other products that received the certification in Uttar Pradesh include Banaras Metal Casting Craft, Lakhimpur Kheri Tharu Embroidery, Bareilly Cane and Bamboo Craft, Bareilly Zardozi Craft, and Pilkhuwa Hand Block Print Textile.
  • With the inclusion of these six new items, Uttar Pradesh remains the leading state in India with the highest number of GI-tagged products.
  • Tamil Nadu comes next with 58 GI products.

Geographical Indication (GI) tag

• About:
  • A GI tag is a name or sign used on certain products that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.
  • The GI tag ensures that only the authorised users or those residing in the geographical territory are allowed to use the popular product name.
  • It also protects the product from being copied or imitated by others.
  • A registered GI is valid for 10 years.
  • GI registration is overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Legal Framework and Obligations:
  • The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
  • It is governed and directed by the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
  • Furthermore, the significance of protecting industrial property and geographical indications as integral components of intellectual property is acknowledged and emphasised in Articles 1(2) and 10 of the Paris Convention.