Understanding Geographical Indications (GI) in India
Geographical Indications (GIs) represent a vital form of intellectual property, linking the unique qualities, reputation, or characteristics of a product directly to its place of origin. In India, the framework for GIs, established by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, has led to the recognition of over 650 diverse products, ranging from agricultural goods and handicrafts to foodstuffs. GIs plays a important role in protecting heritage, assuring quality, and boosting local economies, and has its own challenges.
Geographical Indications – Explained
GI tag serves as a certification that a product originates from a specific geographical area and possesses distinct qualities or attributes to the area or region of its origin. The consumers using the products are assured of the specific characteristics unique to its location. This applies across various categories, including agricultural products (like Darjeeling Tea, India's first GI-tagged product), foodstuffs, handicrafts (Kanjeevaram Sarees), manufactured goods, and even wines and spirits. The GI tag prevents unauthorised use of the product name by those not registered as authorised users from the designated region.
Legal Framework
Internationally, GIs are recognized under the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) TRIPS Agreement and the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. In India, the GI Act of 1999, effective since September 2003, governs the registration and protection process. This legal protection allows registered producers (authorised users) to prevent others from using the GI tag for products not conforming to the applicable standards or not originating from the designated region. Unlike other intellectual property rights like patents or trademarks which are granted to individuals or single entities, GIs protect collective community rights, empowering the local producers.
Benefits of GIs
GI registration offers substantial advantages:
- Commercially: It enhances demand for authentic products in national and international markets, often allowing producers to command premium prices, thereby boosting local economies, particularly in rural areas. The resurgence of Nizamabad's black pottery, supporting thousands of artisans’ post-GI certification, are one of the few examples.
- Consumer Assurance: GIs provide consumers with a guarantee of authenticity and quality linked to traditional methods and geographical origin, which builds trust and purchase decisions.
- Counterfeits: The legal framework safeguards against unauthorised use and imitation, protecting the reputation and integrity of the products.
- Preservation: GIs help protect centuries-old traditions, skills, and cultural heritage part of the production processes.
The day-to-day Challenges
Despite the benefits, the GI system also has the down side. Disputes sometimes arise over the precise origin of a product, occasionally fueled by regional competition rather than authenticity, as seen in the debate over Roshogulla's origins between West Bengal and Odisha. Getting a GI tag isn't enough; more follow up is needed to boost the product's value, build its reputation, and local producers benefit financially. Without a proper follow-through, the potential of the GI tag may not be fully realised.
NABARD's Role
Recognising the importance of GIs, institutions like the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) play a crucial role. NABARD has supported the GI ecosystem since its early stages, assisting with the registration of numerous products (139 to date). Its comprehensive policy, introduced in 2019, extends beyond registration to include support for authorised user registration, marketing assistance, skill enhancement, capacity building, and awareness campaigns, aiming to realise the full economic potential of GI-tagged products.
Geographical Indications are not only labels; but powerful tools linking product identity, quality, and reputation to a specific place of origin. In India, the GI framework provides vital legal protection, fosters economic growth for local communities, preserves cultural heritage, and assures consumers of authenticity. But institutions like NABARD, plays an important role in safeguarding India's unique regional products and the producers in a competitive global market.
Reference: Rural Voice, Partho Saha, Chief General Manager, NABARD
