Why in News?
Jharkhand has received Geographical Indication (GI) tags for 11 traditional products, providing legal protection and global recognition to its rich cultural and artisanal heritage.
The 11 Products That Got GI Tags
- Bhoya Saree and Fabric
- Kuchai Silk Saree
- Kesaria Kalakand
- Dokra Craft
- Tumka Chadar
- Baroni Paintings
- Munda Jewellery
- Jharkhand Bamboo Craft
- Tussar Silk and Sarees
- Jadopatia Painting
- Pancho Saree and Fabric
What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products with a specific geographical origin that possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics attributable to that origin.
Key Facts for UPSC Prelims: GI Tag Framework
- International Level: Governed under TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) at the WTO.
- National Level: Governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 — came into force in September 2003.
- Nodal Body: Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks — also serves as Registrar of Geographical Indications.
- Validity: 10 years, renewable indefinitely for successive 10-year periods.
- First GI Tag in India: Darjeeling Tea (2004–2005).
- GI tags fall under Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
- GI tags are issued by the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai.
Static/Exam Connect: Key GI Tags from Jharkhand
- Dokra Craft: Tribal metal craft using lost-wax technique (cire perdue) — also found in Odisha, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh.
- Tussar Silk: Also known as Kosa silk; Jharkhand is India’s largest producer of Tussar silk.
- Jadopatia Painting: Traditional scroll paintings of the Santali tribe depicting life, death, and spirituality — used by Jadupatuas (wandering painters).
- Munda Jewellery: Traditional ornaments of the Munda tribe, one of Jharkhand’s major indigenous communities.
Quick Revision Table
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| GI Tags granted to Jharkhand | 11 products |
| Governing Act (India) | GI Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 |
| Act in force since | September 2003 |
| International Framework | TRIPS Agreement, WTO |
| Nodal Authority | Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks |
| Validity of GI Tag | 10 years (renewable) |
| First GI Tag in India | Darjeeling Tea (2004–05) |
| GI Registry Location | Chennai |
| Jharkhand’s Tussar Silk | Largest producer in India |
Trap / Confusing Points
| Common Confusion | Correct Fact |
|---|---|
| GI tag gives monopoly rights like patents | No — GI tag is a collective right for all producers in that region; not a monopoly |
| GI Act was enacted in 2003 | No — Act enacted in 1999; it came into force in September 2003 |
| GI tags administered by MoCommerce directly | The Registrar is the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks under DPIIT |
| First GI Tag was to Kancheepuram Silk | First GI Tag in India was to Darjeeling Tea (2004–05) |
| Dokra Craft is exclusive to Jharkhand | Dokra Craft is also found in Odisha, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh |
Practice MCQs
1. Under which international agreement are Geographical Indications (GI) governed?
a. TRIPS Agreement (WTO)
b. Paris Convention
c. Berne Convention
d. Patent Cooperation Treaty
Ans: A
GI tags at international level are governed under the TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights) under WTO.
2. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act was enacted in which year?
a. 2003
b. 2000
c. 1999
d. 2005
Ans: C
The Act was enacted in 1999 but came into force only in September 2003. A common trap question in exams.
3. Which was the first product to receive a GI tag in India?
a. Kancheepuram Silk
b. Darjeeling Tea
c. Mysore Silk
d. Alphonso Mango
Ans: B
Darjeeling Tea was the first product to receive a GI tag in India in 2004–05.
4. Jadopatia Painting, which received a GI tag, is associated with which tribal community?
a. Gond tribe
b. Bhil tribe
c. Santali tribe
d. Munda tribe
Ans: C
Jadopatia (scroll paintings) is a traditional art form of the Santali tribe practised by Jadupatuas (wandering painters) of Jharkhand.
5. Which body serves as the Registrar of Geographical Indications in India?
a. FSSAI
b. BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)
c. Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks
d. Intellectual Property India Board
Ans: C
The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (under DPIIT) also serves as the Registrar of Geographical Indications.
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To know more about Jharkhand GI Tags, Click here.
