Context:

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has set an ambitious target of issuing 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) tags by 2030. This goal was announced during the GI Samagam event in New Delhi, organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the India Today Group. A committee will be formed to oversee the implementation of this target. Currently, India has issued 605 GI tags.

About Geographical Indication (GI):

A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation inherent to that location.

·        For example, "Darjeeling Tea" or "Kancheepuram Sarees."

·        GIs help protect traditional knowledge and cultural heritage, and promote socio-economic development by boosting local industries. GI tag remains valid for 10 years.

Legal Framework:

GI tags are governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in India, and are aligned with the TRIPS agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

TRIPS define GIs as indications that identify goods as originating from a specific territory where certain qualities, reputation, or characteristics are linked to that origin.

Benefits of GI Tag:

1.   GI tag holders receive legal protection to prevent unauthorized use of the geographical indication; ensuring only approved users can apply it.

2.   Registered GI tag proprietors have exclusive rights to use the tag, enhancing the product's market value and reputation.

3.   A GI tag helps prevent misuse, imitation, or misleading representations, protecting consumers from deceptive products.

4.   GI tag holders can take legal action against infringements or unfair competition involving counterfeit or substandard products.

5.   The GI system ensures the product's integrity and supports fair trade practices by safeguarding its authenticity and quality.

Challenges:

1.   The GI registration process in India faces delays, slowing down the protection and promotion of regional products.

2.   Limited awareness among producers and consumers reduces the effectiveness of the GI system and its potential benefits.

3.   Many GI products are underutilized in markets due to lack of marketing, branding, and promotion strategies.

4.   The economic impact of the GI system remains limited, with uneven benefits across regions and sectors.