Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree) Receives

Context:

The prestigious Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi, known for its intricate silver filigree work, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing its unique cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship.

Relevance:

GS II: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi Receives Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
2. Geographical Indications (GI) Tag

Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi Receives Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Historical Roots and Cultural Exchange

• Originating from ancient Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE, filigree adorned jewelry, possibly reaching Cuttack via Persia and Indonesia, highlighting cultural exchange through maritime trade routes.

Definition of Filigree

• Filigree refers to ornamental work, typically using fine wire of gold, silver, or copper, applied mainly to gold and silver surfaces.

Diversity of Indian Traditional Crafts

• Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi joins other crafts like Banglar muslin (West Bengal), Narasapur crochet lace (Andhra Pradesh), and Kutch rogan craft (Gujarat) in attaining GI status, showcasing India’s rich traditional craft heritage.

Significance of GI Tag

• A GI tag is a distinctive label for products associated with a specific geographic area, ensuring only authorized users from that region can use the product’s name.
• It serves as a safeguard against imitation and remains valid for 10 years post-registration.

Regulatory Framework

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) oversees GI registration in India under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999, aligning with the TRIPS agreement.

Geographical Indications (GI) Tag

Definition and Importance:

• Geographical Indications of Goods indicate the country or place of origin of a product.
• They assure consumers of the product’s quality and distinctiveness derived from its specific geographical locality.
• GI tags are an essential component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and are protected under international agreements like the Paris Convention and TRIPS.

Administration and Registration:

• Geographical Indications registration in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• The registration and protection are administered by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade (DIPIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• The registration is valid for 10 years, and it can be renewed for further periods of 10 years each.

Significance and Examples:

• GI tags provide a unique identity and reputation to products based on their geographical origin.
• The first product in India to receive a GI tag was Darjeeling tea.
• Karnataka has the highest number of GI tags with 47 registered products, followed by Tamil Nadu with 39.

Ownership and Proprietorship:

• Any association, organization, or authority established by law can be a registered proprietor of a GI tag.
• The registered proprietor’s name is entered in the Register of Geographical Indication for the applied product.
• Protection and Enforcement:
• Geographical Indications protect the interests of producers and prevent unauthorized use of the product’s name or origin.
• Enforcement of GI rights helps maintain the quality and reputation of the products associated with their specific geographical regions.

Location of the Geographical Indications Registry:

• The Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai, India.

-Source: The Hindu, PIB