Previous Year Question

Correct answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees—Correct

• ‘Banaras Brocades and Sarees’ is registered in India’s official Geographical Indications Registry.

• Its GI application number is 99. The application was filed on 4 July 2007, and the registration certificate was issued on 4 September 2009.

• It is registered as a handicraft associated with the geographical area of Uttar Pradesh.

• The applicants included the Banaras Bunkar Samiti and other organisations representing the interests of the weaving community.

• Banaras brocades and sarees are known for their fine weaving, silk, lustrous zari work, floral patterns, creepers and elaborate artistic designs.

• GI registration protects not merely the product’s name but also its geographical origin, traditional craftsmanship and established reputation.

2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma—Incorrect

• Daal-Bati-Churma is a renowned traditional food of Rajasthan, but it had not been granted GI status when the question was asked.

• Its name was not registered as a Geographical Indication in the official GI Registry.

• A product does not automatically acquire GI status merely because it is popular or traditionally associated with a particular region.

• GI recognition requires a formal application, an applicant representing the producers, a defined geographical area, evidence of distinctive characteristics and completion of the statutory registration process.

3. Tirupathi Laddu—Correct

• ‘Tirupathi Laddu’ is registered in the official GI Registry.

• Its application number is 121. The application was filed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam on 31 March 2008.

• It was registered as a foodstuff associated with Andhra Pradesh, and its registration certificate was issued on 4 September 2009.

• Tirupathi Laddu is distributed as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala.

• GI protection helps prevent unauthorised commercial use of the Tirupathi Laddu name and protects its religious reputation, prescribed production tradition and geographical association.

Important facts about Geographical Indications

• Under Article 22 of the WTO’s TRIPS Agreement, a GI identifies a good as originating in a particular country, region or locality where its quality, reputation or another characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.

• In India, GIs are protected under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

• The Act came into force on 15 September 2003.

• The Geographical Indications Registry having jurisdiction over the whole of India was established at Chennai.

• GI registration is valid for ten years and can be renewed for successive periods of ten years.

• A GI primarily protects a collective geographical identity. It does not make one individual the private owner of the entire regional tradition.