GI Tag of West Bengal – Get the List of Geographical Indication here!

Gauri Malik | Updated: May 4, 2023 23:27 IST

West Bengal is a state in eastern India that is known for its rich cultural heritage, unique cuisine, and diverse handicrafts. One way in which the state’s artisans and manufacturers have been able to protect and promote their products is through the use of Geographical Indication (GI) tags. A GI tag is a type of intellectual property that identifies a product as originating from a particular region or locality, and possessing unique qualities and characteristics that are a result of its geographical origin. In this article, we will explore the various products from West Bengal that have been granted GI tags and how this has helped to increase their recognition and marketability both within India and internationally.

GI Tag of West Bengal and Its Importance

The Geographical Indication (GI) tag is an essential tool that has been utilized by various states in India to safeguard and promote their indigenous products. West Bengal, being a state with a rich cultural and traditional heritage, has recognized the value of GI tags for its unique and distinctive products. The GI tag acts as a legal safeguard that helps to prevent unauthorized use, misuse, or duplication of a product. It also ensures that the product’s quality and authenticity are maintained, protecting the interests of both the producers and the consumers. In addition, the GI tag has helped to create a distinct identity for West Bengal’s products, making them more recognizable and marketable both nationally and internationally. Overall, the GI tag has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting West Bengal’s traditional products and enhancing their economic value.

List of GI Tag of West Bengal

West Bengal has been successful in securing Geographical Indication (GI) tags for several of its unique products. Darjeeling Tea, one of the most famous products from West Bengal, was the first to receive a GI tag in 2004. Bankura Horse, a terracotta horse figurine, was also granted the GI tag in 2008. Nakshi Kantha, a traditional quilt made from old saris and dhotis, received the GI tag in 2016. Bardhaman Sitabhog and Mihidana, two famous sweets from the Bardhaman district, were granted GI tags in 2018 along with Murshidabad Silk, Fazli Mango, and Joynagar Moa. These GI tags have helped in creating a unique identity for these products and have also aided in protecting their authenticity and quality.Here is a list of the GI tagged products from West Bengal:

Product Name GI Tag Year
Darjeeling Tea 2004
Bankura Horse 2008
Nakshi Kantha 2016
Bardhaman Sitabhog 2018
Bardhaman Mihidana 2018
Murshidabad Silk 2018
Fazli Mango 2018
Joynagar Moa 2018

Products From West Bengal To Be Examined For GI Tag

Several unique products from West Bengal are being examined for Geographical Indication (GI) tags.Kalimpong Cheese, a unique cheese made from cow or yak milk, is being examined for a GI tag under the name “West Bengal Kalimpong Cheese”. Darjeeling Orthodox Tea, a type of tea that is manufactured using traditional methods, is proposed to be granted a GI tag under the name “Darjeeling Traditional Orthodox Tea”. Shantiniketan Leather Goods, which includes a wide range of leather products such as bags, wallets, and footwear, may be granted a GI tag under the name “Shantiniketan Leather Craft”. Bengal Patachitra, a traditional scroll painting that is made on cloth or paper, is proposed to be granted a GI tag under the name “Bengal Scroll Painting”. Krishnanagar Clay Dolls, which are traditional clay dolls made in the town of Krishnanagar, may be granted a GI tag under the name “Krishnanagar Clay Toys”. Finally, Malda Mango, a variety of mango that is grown in the Malda district of West Bengal, is being examined for a GI tag under the name “Malda Fazli Mango”. The GI tag will help in creating a distinct identity for these products and will also aid in protecting their authenticity and quality. Here are some of the products that are currently under consideration:

Product Name Proposed GI Tag
Kalimpong Cheese West Bengal Kalimpong Cheese
Darjeeling Orthodox Tea Darjeeling Traditional Orthodox Tea
Shantiniketan Leather Goods Shantiniketan Leather Craft
Bengal Patachitra Bengal Scroll Painting
Krishnanagar Clay Dolls Krishnanagar Clay Toys
Malda Mango Malda Fazli Mango

Recent GI Tag of West Bengal

The most recent Geographical Indication (GI) tag granted to a product from West Bengal is “Kantha Stitch Saree”. It was granted the GI tag on 15th March 2021. Kantha Stitch Saree is a traditional saree that is made using the kantha embroidery technique. It is a type of hand-stitched embroidery that originated in Bengal and is used to create intricate designs and patterns on sarees, dupattas, and other garments. The Kantha Stitch Saree is a unique product that showcases the rich cultural heritage of West Bengal. The GI tag will help in protecting the authenticity and quality of the product and will also aid in promoting it both nationally and internationally. With this recent GI tag, West Bengal now has a total of 9 products with GI tags, which includes Darjeeling Tea, Bankura Horse, Nakshi Kantha, and others.

FAQs on GI Tag of West Bengal

Q.1 What is a GI tag?
Ans.1

A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a form of intellectual property right that is used to protect unique products that are associated with a specific geographical region. It is a legal recognition that is granted to products that have a unique quality, reputation, or other characteristic that is closely linked to their geographical origin.

Q.2 How many products from West Bengal have been granted GI tags?
Ans.2 West Bengal has a total of 9 products that have been granted GI tags. These products include Darjeeling Tea, Bankura Horse, Nakshi Kantha, Bardhaman Sitabhog, Bardhaman Mihidana, Murshidabad Silk, Fazli Mango, Joynagar Moa, and Kantha Stitch Saree.
Q.3 What is the significance of a GI tag?
Ans.3 A GI tag is significant because it helps to protect the authenticity and quality of a product. It also helps to create a distinct identity for the product, making it more recognizable and marketable both nationally and internationally. Additionally, it helps to promote the cultural and traditional heritage associated with the product and the region it comes from.
Q.4 How can a product from West Bengal apply for a GI tag?
Ans.4 The application for a GI tag must be made by a group or organization that represents the interests of the producers of the product. The application must include information about the product, its unique characteristics, and the geographical region it comes from. The application is then reviewed by the Geographical Indication Registry, which examines the product and decides whether or not to grant the GI tag.
Q.5 What are some of the products from West Bengal that are currently being examined for a GI tag?
Ans.5 Some of the products from West Bengal that are currently being examined for a GI tag include Kalimpong Cheese, Darjeeling Orthodox Tea, Shantiniketan Leather Goods, Bengal Patachitra, Krishnanagar Clay Dolls, and Malda Mango.
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