The Hindu : National : Sanganeri hand block printing art gets GI protection

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Friday, Jun 11, 2010
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Sanganeri hand block printing art gets GI protection

Special Correspondent

JAIPUR: The 500-year-old Sanganeri hand block printing art on textile products in Rajasthan has bagged the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate protecting its uniqueness and distinct identity along with the authority for its practitioners to take legal action against any infringement of the brand of the products.

State Principal Small and Village Industries Secretary Ravi Mathur addressing a function marking the presentation of the GI certificate here said no other hand block and screen-printed textiles produced elsewhere can be sold now in India under the tag of Sanganeri print.

Rigorous scrutiny process

The certificate will protect the Sanganeri textile products, characterised by delicate floral motifs in multiple colours, under the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The GI Registry undertook a rigorous process of scrutiny on the application filed in December 2008 before issuing the certificate earlier this year.

Mr. Mathur said the State Government would try its best to bring more crafts within the domain of GI certification. The Sanganeri hand block printed textile manufacturers should strive to get the Union Government's Common Facility Centre in Sanganer town, situated near Jaipur, as early as possible, he added.

The GI certificate not only recognises the uniqueness and distinct identity of Sanganeri prints in dress material but also in related products such as home furnishing manufactured in the traditional manner by the local community of Chhipas.

The UNCTAD India Project, along with its partners such as Rajasthan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and Rural Non-Farm Development Agency (RUDA), worked closely with the artisan community in Sanganer in seeking the GI certificate. The certificate is set to increase the visibility of the product in both domestic and international markets.

RUDA Chairman and Managing Director Ashok Jain said the artisans in Sanganer should take up innovative activities for building a brand image and launch new marketing initiatives for getting the advantage of GI certificate. The printed textile industry in the town provides direct and indirect employment to about 6,000 people.

GI is an intellectual property right, different from copyright and trademarks, publicly enjoyed by the artisans and producers of the specified goods or products. It attributes the characteristics of the recognised products to their geographical origin.

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