Page 113 - Shawl Weaving Artisan - TT

• Protection against imitation: Indian textiles, known • Fostering community pride: The recognition and
for their rich heritage, are particularly vulnerable to value attributed to a GI-tagged product instill a sense
imitation. GI tagging provides a legal shield against of pride and ownership within the community of
counterfeit products, ensuring that only textiles producers, strengthening their cultural identity.
produced in the designated region using authentic Process of GI registration (India specific):
methods can bear the GI name (e.g. Banaras silk.).
In India, the registration process for a Geographical
• Fair price for artisans: By guaranteeing authenticity, Indication is managed by the GI Registry in Chennai. It
GI tags increase consumer confidence and their typically involves the following steps:
willingness to pay a fair price for genuine textiles,
directly benefiting the artisans who pour their skill and • Step 1: Filing of application
time into creating them. - An application must be filed by an association
• Preservation of traditional weaving techniques: of persons, producers, or any organization
Many traditional textile crafts involve highly specialized or authority representing the interests of the
and often time-consuming techniques. GI tagging producers of the goods.
incentivizes artisans to continue practicing these - The application should be in triplicate, accompanied
skills, preventing them from being lost due to by an affidavit claiming representation of the
commercial pressures or lack of recognition. producers’ interests.
• Market differentiation and branding: A GI tag acts - It must include a detailed “Statement of Case”
as a powerful marketing tool, differentiating authentic describing the product’s unique characteristics,
textiles in a crowded global market and building a reputation, geographical origin, and how these
strong brand image based on quality and heritage. are maintained.

• Promotion of sustainable practices: Traditional - Three certified copies of the map of the region to
textile production often involves eco-friendly and which the GI relates are required.
sustainable practices. GI tagging can help promote
and preserve these methods in contrast to mass- - Details of any inspection structure in place to
produced, less sustainable alternatives. regulate the use of the GI should be provided.
• Boost to textile tourism: Regions renowned for their - The application is submitted to the Geographical
GI-tagged textiles can attract tourists interested in Indications Registry, Chennai.
witnessing the craft, purchasing authentic products, • Step 2 & 3: Preliminary scrutiny and examination
and understanding the cultural context, thus creating
additional revenue streams. - The application is scrutinized for deficiencies by an
examiner. The applicant has one month to remedy
Preservation of cultural heritage through GI tagging any deficiencies.
The preservation of cultural heritage is a cornerstone of - A consultative group of experts assesses the
the GI system: correctness of the particulars furnished in the
• Safeguarding intangible heritage: GIs protect not statement of case.
just the tangible product but also the intangible cultural - An Examination Report is issued, which may
heritage embedded within it – the knowledge, skills, include objections or proposals for conditions.
customs, and traditions associated with its production.
• Step 4: Show cause notice
• Documenting traditional practices: The process of
GI registration often requires detailed documentation - If the Registrar has objections, a show cause
of traditional production methods, raw materials, and notice is issued. The applicant must respond within
the historical link to the region. This acts as a valuable two months or request a hearing.
record of cultural practices. - The Registrar’s decision is communicated, and

• Intergenerational knowledge transfer: By making the applicant can appeal within one month.
traditional crafts economically viable, GIs encourage • Step 5: Publication in the geographical indications
younger generations to learn and continue these journal
ancestral skills, ensuring the knowledge is passed
down. - Once the application is accepted, it is published in
the Geographical Indications Journal within three
• Preventing cultural erosion: Without GI protection, months. This provides public notice.
traditional products can be devalued by cheap
imitations, leading to artisans abandoning their craft • Step 6: Opposition to registration
and the eventual loss of cultural practices. GIs combat - Any person can file a notice of opposition to the
this erosion. GI application within three months (extendable by
one month).

Textile & Handloom: Shawl Weaving Artisan : (NSQF - 2024) R.T. Ex.No 1.9.72&73 103