Govt grants GI to Jodhpur's Mojari, industry stakeholders hail move, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Centre has granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Jodhpur’s nearly 200-year-old Mojari (jooti) craft.
• The GI Registry officially handed over the certificate to the Jodhpur Handicraft Exporters Association and the Gram Vikas Seva Sansthan.
• This recognition is expected to significantly boost the traditional footwear industry, which involves around 400 manufacturers and over 35,000 artisans.
• The craft is practiced in more than 5,000 households in Jodhpur, reflecting its deep cultural and economic roots.

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Detailed Insights:

• The GI tag provides official recognition and enhances global branding for Jodhpur Mojari, protecting its unique identity.
• This move is anticipated to provide a significant economic fillip to the local artisans and manufacturers involved in the Mojari trade.
• Historically, Mojari footwear was patronized by royals and has evolved into a distinctive craft synonymous with Jodhpur.
• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, governs the registration and protection of such products in India.
• A GI tag helps prevent unauthorized use of the product name, ensuring that only authentic Jodhpur Mojari can be marketed as such.
• This protection safeguards traditional knowledge and cultural heritage while promoting rural development and local employment.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Geographical Indication (GI) tag: An intellectual property right identifying goods originating from a specific geographical region, where their quality, reputation, or other characteristics are essentially attributable to that origin.
• GI Registry: The administrative body in India responsible for the registration and protection of geographical indications, operating under the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks.
• Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999: The Indian legislation that provides for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods.