Ministry of Textiles promotes the provision of Geographical Indication (GI) of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999, in respect of handloom & handicrafts products of pan India under the scheme, National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) & National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) respectively. Under the above scheme, financial assistance is provided for meeting the expenses in registering the designs/products, imparting training to personnel of implementing agencies and effective enforcement of G.I. registration. So far, a total no. of 214 handicrafts products and 104 handloom products, out of a total no. of 658 GI tagged products have been registered under the GI Act.

In addition, summit/seminars, workshops, marketing events including participation in international fairs/expos etc. are organized to sensitize the weavers & artisans about the benefits of getting GI tags for their products and to improve their market share in domestic & international markets.

To promote the GI handloom products in the domestic and international arena, a summit, "GI & Beyond - Virasat se Vikas Tak", was organized recently highlighting & promoting the unique cultural and historical significance of GI-tagged handloom products from various regions, demonstrating their authenticity and craftsmanship to a global audience. The main objective was to provide marketing opportunities to the GI handloom weavers, to know the consumer market, global trend, etc. and to publicize the GI tagged products among the buyers. The event witnessed participation by GI authorized users, overseas buyers, domestic exporters & MNCs etc.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2797)