Himachal Pradesh gives geographical status to Kullu shawls, Kangra tea
New Kerala
By Rajiv Kimta, Kullu (Himachal Pradesh): Realising the potential of its world class Kullu shawls and Kangra tea, the Department of Science and Technology of Himachal Pradesh has accorded a Geographical Indications (GIs) status under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999 for the two products.
Both these items have now become ‘Brand Himachal’. The status is being perceived as a preventive measure against unauthorised production or using the same brand name on the production of goods being prepared in areas other than their place of origin.
“The advantage of this would be that like Kullu shawl and any shawl which is being produced in Kullu, which has been identified by this, can only be called as Kullu shawl. So, the quality and specific uniqueness of the shawl will be maintained and the brand will be promoted and the misuse would be stopped,†said Srikant Baldi, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Himachal Pradesh Government.
“Similarly, Kangra tea has specific flavour. So, the tea coming from Kangra region and certain parts of Mandi Chamba can only be called Kangra tea. This will help the brand name to flourish. The people who are involved in the production of Kangra tea or Kullu shawl will get the benefit of the brand name,†he added.
A GI is the sign used on goods that possess qualities or reputation owing to the place of its origin. Now, no manufacturer can call a shawl produced outside the defined geographical territory of Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh as Kullu Shawl.
Similarly, no tea can be called Kangra tea if produced outside the Kangra tea region of the State. This will restrict their illegal production or using of brand name. This GI status will give impetus to the cottage economy of the State.
The Himachal Pradesh Patent Information Centre (HPPIC) set up by the Department of Science and Technology had filed applications for the registration of Kullu shawl and Kangra Tea under GIs on behalf of manufacturers of these products.
“Kangra tea is sold everywhere in India. Its taste is very good. After this tea got the GI status, its demand has increased,†said Rajinder Chauhan, Assistant Manager, Handicraft and Handloom Corporation, Himachal Pradesh.
“After getting the status, we can also export the Kullu shawls, and its demand is also likely to increase. World over there is a craze for Kullu shawls. We are sure that after getting the GI status, the sales, production will increase,†said Jai Ram, Sales Executive, Bhunter Cooperative Society, Himachal Pradesh.
HPPIC is the first Patent Information Centre in the country to take such an initiative. It would boost the state’s economy in World Trade Organization (WTO) regime and protect the products of the State.
According to Srikant Baldi, follow up workshops would also be organized at Kullu and Kangra for stakeholders of Kullu shawl and Kangra tea for formulating an Action Plan and marketing strategy.
So far, 24 GIs have been registered under this category in the country, including Darjeeling tea, Chanderi Saree and Armoora mirror.
The HPPIC has identified some other possible Geographical Indications of the State that could be brought under the category. These include Kinnauri Shawl, Chamba Rumal, Chamba Chappal, Angoori (Traditional wine), Red rice, and Traditional foods of Himachal Pradesh.
