Uttar Pradesh's 7 Products Receive GI Tags

• 28 Jun 2023

Why in News?

Uttar Pradesh, known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts, has recently seen seven of its distinctive products being granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai.

Which Seven Products from Uttar Pradesh have Received the GI Tag?

• Amroha Dholak: A Musical Marvel
  • The Amroha Dholak is a musical instrument crafted from natural wood.
    • Preferred wood choices include mango, jackfruit, and teakwood.
  • Animal skin, usually goatskin, is meticulously fitted to create the drum's surface.
• Baghpat Home Furnishings:
  • Baghpat and Meerut are renowned for their exclusive handloom home furnishing products.
  • The weaving process involves cotton yarn and is predominantly done on frame looms.
• Barabanki Handloom Product:
  • Barabanki and its surrounding areas are home to around 50,000 weavers and 20,000 looms.
    • The annual turnover of the Barabanki cluster is estimated to be ₹150 crore.
• Kalpi Handmade Paper:
  • Kalpi is recognized for handmade paper manufacturing.
    • Munnalal 'Khaddari,' a Gandhian, introduced the craft in the 1940s, although its roots in Kalpi's history may extend further.
• Mahoba Gaura Patthar Hastashlip:
  • Mahoba Gaura Patthar Hastashlip represents the unique stone craft of Mahoba.
  • The stone used, scientifically known as the 'Pyro Flight Stone,' is a soft and radiant white-coloured stone predominantly found in the region.

• Mainpuri Tarkashi:
  • Mainpuri Tarkashi is a popular art form characterised by brass wire inlay work on wood.
  • Traditionally used for khadaous (wooden sandals), Mainpuri Tarkashi has been a household necessity.
    • Leather alternatives were sought due to cultural considerations regarding cleanliness. 
• Sambhal Horn Craft:
  • Sambhal Horn Craft utilises raw materials procured from deceased animals and this craft form is entirely handmade.

What is a GI Tag?

• About:
  • A geographical indication (GI) tag is a name or sign used on certain products that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.
    • For example, Darjeeling Tea, Kanchipuram Silk, etc.
  • 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.
• 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.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q1. Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status? (2015)

1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees
2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
3. Tirupathi Laddu

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (c)

Q2. India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to (2018)

(a) ILO
(b) IMF
(c) UNCTAD
(d) WTO

Ans: (d)

Source: TH