Jharkhand’s art flourishes, GI tag approved for 11 products; Now artisans will get a global platform

Jharkhand News: Jharkhand’s traditional arts, rich handicrafts and distinctive local products have achieved great success. This is a historic moment in the history of the state because now 11 important products of Jharkhand have got the final approval of GI tag i.e. Geographical Indication. Earlier, only Sohrai painting had this special honor in the state. The role of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development i.e. NABARD has been most important in achieving this big achievement. With the cooperation of NABARD, four major products have been successful in getting this tag. After this decision, thousands of local artisans, weavers and craftsmen of the state will get a new identity and the doors of economic prosperity will open for them.

Kuchai silk and Bhagaiya sarees got great recognition

This time, Kuchai silk saree prepared by special tribal communities of Bhagaiya block of Godda Santal and Seraikela has got a special place in the list of GI tag. Kuchai Silk was sent by Jharcraft for the process of GI tagging in the year 2023. The team of experts from Chennai had made a special visit to Jharkhand and also saw a detailed presentation about its importance in Ranchi. After several months of intensive evaluation and preliminary investigation, when no objection came from any party, Jharkhand’s legal rights on this product were completely secured. Its copy has also been published in GI General. With this recognition, this age-old tribal heritage and distinctive craftsmanship will now be saved from extinction.

The fortunes of these 11 unique products will shine

The 11 products of Jharkhand that have received the GI tag reflect the cultural identity of the state. These include Bhagaiya saree and fabric, Kuchai silk saree, Koderma’s famous saffron kalakand, traditional Dokra craft, Dumka chadar and Badoni puppets. Apart from this, Munda Jewellery, Jharkhand Bamboo Craft, Tasar Silk and Sarees, Jadopatiya Painting and Panchi Saree have also got this distinction. This list also includes some unnamed handicrafts which will now get a new identity. All these products have their own historical story and the method of making them is completely traditional and natural.

Art identity protected for 10 years

Jharkhand has got this special GI tag for the next 10 years. After this certification, Jharkhand will be able to use a special symbol or logo on these products, which will certify its purity and the unique identity of the state. The process of GI tag is very complex, in which applicants have to prove what is the specialty of their product which is not available in other parts of the country. For this, historical evidence, old arguments and concrete evidence of the uniqueness of the product have to be given. Jharkhand has achieved this success only after meeting these strict standards.

State’s artisans and farmers will become self-reliant

The biggest benefit of getting GI tag will be to the poor farmers and artisans of Jharkhand. Now they will be able to get better and fair prices for their products in the market. For example, getting GI tag for exclusive tribal jewelery like Munda jewelery will differentiate them from other counterfeit competitors in the market. This will increase the brand value of these products in the market. The government will also now promote these products on a large scale, which will make it easier for them to reach big markets in the country and abroad.

5 other products also included in the queue

Jharkhand government and Jharcraft are not limited to this only. Five other specific products of the state have also been sent for GI tagging between 2021 and 2023. These include sweet tamarind of Simdega, Kuchai turmeric of Seraikela and the famous Biru Gamchha of Simdega, whose process has now reached the final stage. Journal advertisements of many of these products have also been released and currently they are in pre-examination category.

The picture will change with the final seal of approval from the central government.

The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry gives its final approval to the entire process after a thorough examination of the uniqueness, geographical relationship and historical evidence of these products. When these remaining five products of the state also get the GI tag, the entire market of local handicrafts will change. The patents, designs and trademarks of these products will be completely protected, so that no other person or company will be able to sell counterfeit goods in the name of Jharkhand. This step will prove to be a milestone in strengthening the rural economy.

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