Over a hundred artisans from six districts of Rajasthan assembled at Udaipur on Friday to get educated with the advantages of ‘Geographical Indication’. These artisans from districts of Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand and Udaipur had gathered for a one day sensitization program organised by Controller General General of Patents, Design and Trademarks, Government of India in association with Rajasthan Government’s department of Industries. The event witnessed immense interest from artisans and expressed interest to get GI registration for regional arts of Koftgari, Daboo Print, Pichwai Painting and, others.
Geographical Indications ensure that the local artisans receive the advantage of the intellectual heritage, the natural products are identified from region of their origin and that similar products are unable to market themselves on the pretext. It ensures genuine product for consumer and market for the product. There are 15 products of Rajasthan including Bhujiya of Bikaner, Kota Doriya of Kota, Thewa art of Udaipur, and Marble from Makrana have acquired the GI identity.
“Each district of Rajasthan is rich in its art and cultural heritage and only 15 products from the state have acquired the GI tag. The Chief Secretary of Rajasthan has also expressed interest in the direction and the sensatization workshops were conceptualised to raise awareness among artisans from the state towards GI indicators,” said Shri Rajendra Ratnoo, Controller Patent Design and Trademakrs, Government of India.
The sensatization program held at Udaipur Chamber of Commerce and Industries has been the first in series of more such sensatization programs. The artisans participating in the program were educated upon the process of GI registration, identification of the product, documentation required and, filing process. The advantage of GI identification was also highlighted here through the examples of Kota Doriya and other GI products.
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