In a bid to protect identity of locally produced goods of J&K known globally, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India has directed all the departments of the Union Territory to furnish details of items which require “Geographical Indications” (GI) registration.
This registration is done under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999 with a motive to protect uniqueness of the goods.
Through a circular, the Industries and Commerce Department has asked all the Administrative Secretaries to furnish details of items which require Geographical Indications registration with Industries and Commerce Department so that they can be shared with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
“Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. These are typically used for agricultural products, food stuffs, handicrafts and industrial products,” the circular states.
As part of the efforts to protect the identity of locally produced goods known for their qualities and reputation across the world, an official said so far, nine items from Union Territory have GI registration.
Kani Shawl, Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmiri Sozni Craft, Kashmir Saffron, Kashmir Paper Machie, Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving, Khatamband, Basmati, and Kashmiri hand knotted carpet were among the nine items from J&K which have Geographical Indications registrations.
The officials said many goods still require protection to avoid their counter-branding.