Gharchola Saree

Why in news?

• Centre gives GI tag to Gujarat’s handicraft ‘Gharchola’, bringing state’s total GI tags to 27.
• With 23 of them recognizing its vibrant handicraft sector.
• The GI tag for Gharchola handicrafts was presented to Gujarat at the “GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak” program in New Delhi.

About Gharchola Saree

• Also Known As: Ghatchola or Gharcholu, famous for its intricate Bandhani work from Gujarat.
• Traditional Use: Traditionally worn by brides in Gujarati weddings, symbolizing their transition to their new home.
• Material: Woven on cotton or silk fabric, featuring large checks using silk and zari threads, and colored with Bandhani (tie & dye).
• Designs: Includes motifs of peacocks, lotus, human figures, and floral patterns in auspicious colors like red, maroon, green, and yellow.
• Symbolism: Designs incorporate symbols of fertility and prosperity, such as kalash and paan.
• Craftsmanship: Sourced from generational artisan clusters in Gujarat, preserving centuries-old traditions.
• GI Tag: Recently awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its uniqueness, bringing Gujarat's total GI tags to 27.

About GI Tags

• What is GI?: A GI tag is granted to products that possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics unique to a specific geographical origin.
• Legal Framework: Governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, in line with the WTO TRIPS agreement.
• Objective: To promote traditional craftsmanship, ensuring authenticity and preserving the legacy of products tied to their geographical origins.
• Validity: GI tags are valid for 10 years, after which they need to be renewed.
• Administering Body: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

GI Tags in India

• Uttar Pradesh: Holds the highest number of GI tags with 75 products.
• Tamil Nadu: Follows with 61 GI-tagged products, showcasing the state's rich traditional craft heritage.

Advantages of GI Tags

1. Legal Protection: Ensures protection for products made with traditional methods, preventing unauthorized use by others.
2. Quality Assurance: Guarantees consumers receive genuine, high-quality products, enhancing trust in the product.
3. Economic Growth: Promotes the economic prosperity of producers by increasing national and international demand for GI-tagged products.
4. Market Differentiation: GI tag helps create a unique market identity, distinguishing products based on their origin and craftsmanship.

Challenges of GI tags

• Disparity among states in registering GIs:- Some states have received multiple registered GIs whereas other states are far lagging behind with just one or two registered.
  • Eg Tamil Nadu has 61 whereas Jharkhand and Tripua has only 1.
• Disparity in the percentage of GI Categories:- It has also found that the majority of GIs are registered for handicraft and Agricultural goods.
  • Whereas, the rest GIs are registered in other domains namely, foodstuff, manufactured and natural goods.

Source:- National law university, Nagpur

• Economical and Technical Challenges:- In order to achieve the sustainability of GI, developing countries like India need to have the financial and technical assistance to promote their product in the international market.
• Social Challenges:- The primary social challenge is the lack of awareness about GI Laws in India.
• Federal Problems:- There have been cases where two different states are fighting for the GI of the same product.
  • For example, West Bengal and Odisha for the GI tag of “Rasgulla” although awarded to both.