Bhubaneswar, Sep 6 : Odisha government is initiating steps for filing application for Geographical Indications tagging of Bellaguntha Flexible Brass Fish, Terracotta Roof Tiles of Barpali, Bargarh and Paper Mache Masks, Puri.
Official sources here said steps are also being taken to get GI tagging for Straw Craft, Jiral, Dhenkanal, Lacquer Toys, Balasore, Odisha Dhokra Casting, Nilagiri Stone Carving & Utensils, Bolangir Paddy Craft, Subarnapur Terracotta Craft, Gajapati Horn Craft, Nabarangpur Lacquered Box, Talapatra Pothi Chitra of Puri (Palm leaf Engraving craft).
Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 provides for registration and better protection of Geographical Indications relating to goods.
The government is taking steps for GI Registration of products under the Handicrafts Sector to protect the uniqueness of handicraft products and to protect the interest of artisans and consumers.
This will also ensure brand promotion of the products in the international market, help in increasing
awareness about the product and also aid the manufacturer of the product.
Earlier, GI Registration in respect of Konark stone carving, Pipili Applique work and Odisha Pattachitra have been obtained.
GI Applications have already been filed before the Registrar of Geographical Indication on Silver Filigree (Chandi Tarakasi) of Cuttack and Odisha Golden Grass, which are pending with the Registry for award of GI.
Another GI application for Odisha Brass & Bell Metal has been filed on September 5 , 2022 with the Registrar of Geographical Indication, Chennai by Utkalika under Directorate of Handicrafts of Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department.
This is the third GI for the handicrafts sector of Odisha in the last one year.
The Odisha Brass & Bell Metal GI application has been filed with documents covering different types of production processes and products developed across the state using brass and scrap material as the main raw material.
Multiple clusters across 28 districts in the state have been covered under the application.