Ministry of Textiles, Government of India promotes registration under Geographical Indication (GI) of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999, in respect of handloom and handicraft products in pan India under the scheme Handloom Marketing Assistance (HMA), National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) implemented by O/o Development Commissioner (Handloom) and National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) implemented by O/o Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles wherein financial assistance is provided for the following:

1. Rs. 1.50 lakh for meeting the expenses in registering the designs/products.
2. Rs.1.50 lakh to impart training to personnel of IA and for effective enforcement of G.I. registration.
3. Also, financial assistance is provided for organizing seminars, workshops etc.

Total 106 handloom products, 6 products logos and 227 handicraft products have been registered under the GI Act, 1999. GI handloom products and handicraft products are also promoted in export market by O/o Dc (Handloom) and the O/o DC (Handicrafts). Various workshop/seminars are conducted across the country for sensitization of artisans on GI Act including other topics under the NHDP Scheme run by DC (Handicrafts).

Further, to promote the GI handloom products exhibitions are organised across the country including participation in various crafts melas and Dilli Haat programme. Recently, an event - GI & Beyond "Virasat se VikasTak", a GI Seminar was organized highlighting and to promote the unique cultural and historical significance of GI-tagged handloom products from various regions, demonstrating their authenticity and craftsmanship to a global audience.

Government of India through Central Silk Board is implementing “Silk Samagra-2” scheme for the development of silk sector in the country and supporting states to enhance production of silk and silk products including GI-tagged silk products.

The Geographical Indications (GI) of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 provides legal protection to the GI of goods etc. and prevents unauthorized use of these by others. Registered users of GI products have rights under the GI Act, 1999 to approach the respective police authorities to safeguard their interests against illegal manufacturing / marketing of GI registered handloom products. State Handlooms & Textiles Departments have been advised to make special efforts to provide protection to such GI registered Handloom products.

Financial assistance of up to ₹1.50 lakh (or actual, as approved by concerned department) is provided for effective enforcement of GI registration, legal cases related to the protection of GIs, and preparation of legal documentation.

Financial assistance for attaining standardization, legal fee for contesting cases and to take safeguards against issues affecting the handicraft sector of the country as per actual and/or as approved by DC (Handicrafts). O/o DC (Handicrafts) has also set up GI Help desk in each Handicraft Service Centers to provide assistance to Handicraft artisans and other stakeholders on GI related issues.

The information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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MAM/SMP

(Lok Sabha US Q2564)

(Release ID: 2152551)