Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 3: World famous Basohli Paintings from Kathua district of Jammu & Kashmir (UT) and Ladakh Wood Carving of Ladakh (UT) received Geographical Indication (GI) Tagging.
The Geographical Indications (GI) is a form of intellectual property right that identifies goods originating from a specific geographical location and having distinct nature, quality and characteristics linked to that location.
The process for GI Tagging of these products was started by NABARD in consultation with and support from the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom in December 2020.
The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal congratulated the country on getting 33 GI Tags including two from UT of J&K and Ladakh, the highest ever in a single year, by tweeting through his official Twitter handle on March 31.
This is the first time in the history of GI that Jammu region and Ladakh (UT) got GI tag for handicrafts but earlier the same Tags (GI) were given to Kashmir handicrafts.
Union Minister in PMO and Lok Sabha MP from Kathua-Udhampur constituency Dr Jitendra Singh tweeted: A proud moment for Basohli region of J&K. This unique painting known for evocative colours and deep-set facial patterns will now gain more prominence globally”
“Basohli painting of Kathua district is the first independent GI tag from Jammu region, whereas the Ladakh Wood Carving is the first handicraft of Ladakh to get a GI Tag. Now, only an authorized user has the exclusive rights to use the Geographical Indication in relation to these products,” said an official of NABARD.
“No person can copy it from beyond their geographical areas. This will prevent unauthorized use of these registered Geographical Indication goods by third parties and will boost exports and promote their brands at international level,” the official said.
Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, Chief General Manager NABARD thanked the concerned departments of the UT Government and all the GI applicant organizations for the achievements. He further said, “Seven more products of J&K are in the final stages of getting GI Tag, through NABARD’s support.”
It may be mentioned here that ‘Vishwasthali’ and various other organizations have been working for promotion of Basohli art. The application before NABARD of geo-tagging of Basohli art was also filed by them.
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