Jammu and Kashmir Aims to Secure GI Tagging for Six Additional Traditional Goods
A New Lease of Life for Six More Kashmir Crafts
Hey there! Let's chat about an exciting development in the artisan world of Kashmir. After bagging prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) certificates for eight traditional crafts, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir are now setting their sights on six more, hoping to secure their spot in the GI registry.
These six crafts are noteworthy for their unique artistry and cultural importance. Here they are:
- Engraved copperware (Kandkari)
- Silverware
- Houseboats
- Tapestry
- Kashmir Tilla work (a traditional embroidery technique using gold and silver threads on garments like Pherans, gowns, shawls, and suits)
- Aari staple embroidery (involving an intricate chain stitch method)
The GI tagging is like a golden ticket, offering legal protection, preventing unauthorized use, boosting exports, and promoting economic growth for traditional crafts. The authorities are working hard to grant the GI registration, which would be a major milestone in reviving certain lost crafts and enhancing their marketability, particularly in niche global markets.
Recent Successes and Future EndeavorsFollowing the GI registration of eight more traditional products in March-April this year, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir is now focusing on these six crafts. The process includes online applications, preliminary scrutiny, examinations, show-cause notices, publication in the GI Journal, and finally, the GI registration, granted by the GI Registry Chennai.
Once these crafts are registered, their number in the GI registry will reach a significant total of 15, marking a significant leap for the region's traditional crafts.
Testing and Quality AssuranceTo ensure the authenticity of tested products and combat the sale of machine-made counterfeits, the department has plans to upgrade its testing labs with cutting-edge equipment like OFDA, SEM, and high-resolution Digital Microscopes. This upgrade will help maintain the integrity of Kashmir's unique crafts and provide customers with genuine products.
That's the scoop on Kashmir crafts! Their unique artistry is being acknowledged and celebrated, offering hope for a more prosperous future for artisans in the region. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments!
Note:- The GI registration serves to protect unique crafts from counterfeit products and boost their marketability.- Various steps have been taken by the department to earn GI registration for these traditional crafts, including filing online applications, preliminary scrutiny, examinations, show-cause notices, publication in the GI Journal, and finally obtaining the GI registration by the GI Registry Chennai.- The department is in the process of upgrading its testing labs to improve the authenticity of the tested products and prevent the sale of machine-made counterfeits.
Geographical Indication (GI) registration for these six crafts, including Kashmir Tilla work, Kandkari, Aari staple embroidery, tapestry, houseboats, and silverware, would not only protect them against unauthorized use but also boost their exports and promote economic growth. As the GI registry in Chennai processes the applications, the number of Kashmir crafts with GI protection will reach a significant total of 15, marking a substantial step towards preserving and enhancing the marketability of these unique and culturally significant art forms.
