In an ambitious move to enhance India’s Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) landscape, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, has set an exciting target of issuing 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) tags by 2030. This goal was announced during the GI Samagam event in New Delhi, organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the India Today Group. The government’s concerted efforts will be directed towards achieving this target, with a committee being established to oversee the process. Currently, the Department of DPIIT has issued 605 GI tags, and the aim is to significantly expand this number over the next decade.

The Importance of Geographical Indication Tags

Geographical Indication (GI) tags are a valuable intellectual property tool that recognize products unique to certain geographical locations in India. These tags are essential for protecting traditional crafts, agricultural products, and handicrafts, allowing artisans and farmers to gain recognition and fair value for their work. GI tags have become increasingly important for promoting indigenous products, ensuring their global recognition, and preventing counterfeiting. The government’s push to increase the number of GI tags by 2030 reflects a deeper commitment to protecting and promoting India’s cultural heritage and traditional products.

Mr. Goyal emphasized that this effort aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of combining ‘Vikas bhi aur Virasat bhi’ (Development and Heritage). This vision underscores the government’s objective to modernize and preserve traditional industries and crafts while enhancing their marketability and global presence.

Growth in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

Over the last decade, the government’s initiatives have significantly improved India’s IPR ecosystem. The number of authorized users for GI tags has risen from 365 to 29,000, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of intellectual property in India’s development. Furthermore, the number of patents granted has surged from 6,000 to an impressive 100,000, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering innovation across industries. These efforts have not only helped protect traditional knowledge but also encouraged modern innovations, strengthening India’s position in the global intellectual property landscape.

Mr. Goyal praised the efforts of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra in promoting GI products, noting their contributions to the expansion of the GI ecosystem. He also pointed out the significant improvements in the department’s human resources and the transition to an online, time-bound process for GI applications, which has made the system more efficient and accessible.

Strengthening Branding and Marketing for GI Products

One of the key aspects of Mr. Goyal’s announcement was the emphasis on improving branding for GI products. As the market for GI products expands, it is essential to create strong, recognizable brands that can capture consumer attention and build trust. Better branding will not only help in promoting these products domestically but also open up new opportunities for export growth.

To further enhance the marketing of GI products, Mr. Goyal proposed collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure higher quality and tackle the growing issue of counterfeit GI products. He also suggested leveraging platforms like GeM (Government e-Marketplace), ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce), and various e-commerce sites to market GI products, enabling better visibility and access to global markets.

Additionally, Mr. Goyal suggested showcasing GI products at Indian embassies abroad, which would provide a significant boost to the exports of India’s unique products, introducing them to global audiences. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to help Indian businesses tap into international markets, promoting Indian culture and tradition on the global stage.

Looking Ahead: Achieving the GI Tags Target by 2030

The goal of reaching 10,000 GI tags by 2030 is an ambitious one, but it is achievable with continued government support and collaboration with key stakeholders. The committee that will oversee the implementation of this target will ensure a streamlined, efficient process, addressing challenges related to quality control, branding, and international marketing.

As India continues to strengthen its IPR regime, the GI tags initiative will play a pivotal role in supporting indigenous industries, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring that traditional knowledge and products are protected and promoted for future generations. This initiative is also expected to foster greater economic growth, particularly in rural areas where many GI-tagged products originate.

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