- Some goods derive their distinct properties from the region in which they originated, influenced by factors like climate, soil, and local practices.
- Geographical Indications (GI) identify goods as originating in a specific country, region, or locality within that country.
Examples of Indian GI Products:
- Basmati Rice, Darjeeling Tea, Kanchipuram Silk Saree, Alphonso Mango, Nagpur Orange, Kolhapuri Chappal, Bikaneri Bhujia, Agra Petha, Mysore Silk, Nilgiri Tea, Coorg Coffee, Mysore Sandal Products, Malabar Pepper, and more.
Benefits of GI:
- Protection against unauthorized use.
- Greater accountability.
- Legal protection for Indian GI, boosting exports.
- Promotion of economic prosperity for producers in the geographical territory.
Rules for GI Application:
- Associations, producers, organizations, or authorities established by law can apply.
- Generally not granted to individuals.
- Granted for a specific period (10 years in India), renewable for additional periods.
Distinction from Trademark:
- A trademark distinguishes goods or services of one enterprise from others in trade.
- GI is different; for example, Basmati rice has a GI, but various companies may produce it under different trademarks.
Legislation:
- The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, passed by the Parliament in India.
- Administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks, who is the Registrar of Geographical Indications.
Examples of GI-Tagged Products:
- Darjeeling Tea was the first GI-tagged product in India in 2004-05.
- Other examples include Kancheepuram Silk, Nagpur Orange, Kangra Painting, Moradabad Metal Craft, and more.
Recent GI Tags (2017-18):
- Banganapalle Mangoes, Tulapanji Rice, Pochampally Ikat, Gobindobhog Rice, Durgi Stone Carvings, and others.
Regional Distribution:
- Karnataka leads in the number of GI tags, followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.
Pending Applications:
- Kangra Arts from Himachal Pradesh, Moirang Phee from Manipur, Kolhapur Jaggery, and others.
Foreign Products with GI Tags in India:
- French Champagne, Cognac, USA’s Napa Valley, UK’s Scotch Whisky, and Mexican Tequila.
Recent GI Tags (2019):
- Palani Panchamirtham, Tawlhlohpuan, Mizo Puanchei, and Tirur Betel Leaf.
Foreign Reactions to Indian GI Laws:
- The Act has faced challenges and criticisms, particularly from MNCs not accustomed to India’s stringent GI laws.
In summary, Geographical Indications (GI) play a crucial role in protecting the uniqueness of regional products, promoting economic prosperity, and boosting exports. The legislation and its enforcement contribute to safeguarding the traditional knowledge and distinct characteristics associated with these products.
Rasgolla Origin Debate: West Bengal vs. Odisha
Background:
- The sweet Rasgolla has been at the center of a prolonged dispute between West Bengal and Odisha regarding its place of origin.
West Bengal’s Claim:
- In 2017, West Bengal was granted the geographical indication (GI) tag for “Rasagolla Bangla.”
- This led to misconceptions that the GI Registry recognized Bengal as the exclusive place of origin.
Odisha’s GI Tag:
- In 2019, Odisha received the GI tag for its local version of Rasagolla, known as “Odisha Rasagola.”
- The GI tag recognizes distinct versions of the sweet from both states.
Two Distinct Versions:
- The GI tags acknowledge that both West Bengal and Odisha have their own versions and distinct dates of origin for Rasgolla.
- There is an acceptance of the coexistence of multiple traditions and versions of Rasgolla.
Differing Claims:
- Bengalis attribute the invention of Rasgolla to Nobin Chandra Das in Kolkata during the 19th century.
- Odias believe in the tradition of Niladri Bije, where Rasgola is offered, dating back to the 12th century.
Conclusion:
- The GI tags officially recognize Rasgolla from both West Bengal and Odisha as distinct and valid, allowing for the coexistence of their respective traditions and versions.
Basmati Rice: Aromatic Grain with Geographical Indication
Characteristics of Basmati Rice:
- Basmati rice is a distinctive variety of aromatic rice known for its unique cooking properties, taste, and aroma.
- It has both short and long grains and is cultivated in specific regions of India and Pakistan.
Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:
- In 2008, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) applied for the GI tag for Basmati rice.
- The Geographical Indication Registry approved the GI tag for Basmati rice, designating specific states and areas of origin.
Approved Regions for Basmati Rice GI Tag:
- The GI tag for Basmati rice is approved for the states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and parts of western Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
- These regions are recognized for their agro-climatic conditions and the efforts of farmers contributing to the unique qualities of Basmati rice.
Controversy with Madhya Pradesh’s Application:
- Madhya Pradesh filed an application for a GI tag for basmati rice, covering thirteen districts.
- The application was rejected by the Registry as Madhya Pradesh could not establish itself as part of the Indo-Gangetic plains, the recognized place of origin for Basmati rice.
Legal Challenge and Delhi High Court Decision:
- In 2019, the Delhi High Court struck down the central government’s decision that restricted Basmati rice production to only seven states in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
- The court’s decision opened discussions on the geographical scope of Basmati rice cultivation.
Kadaknath Chicken: Unique Poultry with GI Tag:
- Kadaknath chicken, known for its black feathers, high protein content, and low fat and cholesterol levels, is indigenous to Jhabua and Dhar districts of western Madhya Pradesh.
- Both Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh contested for the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Kadaknath.
- Madhya Pradesh’s claim over the breed was recognized, and Kadaknath chicken became the only animal to have a GI tag in India.
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