It is always a challenge to trademark an unique talent
Pashmina and Kani Shawl get GI Registration
Abid Bashir (Rising Kashmir)
Srinagar:Much to the delight of the Kashmiri artisans, Union Minister for Commerce and Power Jairam Ramesh and Jammu and Kashmir Governor Narender Nath Vohra Sunday dedicated Geographical Indications (GI) registration of Kashmiri Pashmina and Kani Shawl to the artisans and craft industry of the State.
Around two years ago, Ramesh had promised Kashmiri artisans that Kashmiri Pashmina and Kani Shawl will be registered under GI, “to stop its exploitation in every aspect.”
“I have fulfilled my promise and I feel pleasure in announcing that Kashmir Pashmina and Kani shall is now fully protected. The GI registration of these two treasures will help safeguard and promote age old handicrafts of Kashmir,” the Union Minister said in a meeting held at Sheri-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC).
Union Minister for Commerce and Power also promised Kashmiri artisans that Kashmiri Sozini will be given GI status within next 15 to 20 days.
Explaining the benefits of GI registration, Ramesh said, it will provide ownership, protection, certification and promotion to Kashmiri Pashmina and Kani Shawl.
“The GI registration will provide full rights to the Kashmiri artisans to produce and manufacture these two products so that it could reach every market of India with Kashmiri logo” Ramesh said.
The GI registration of these products, the Union Minster said, will increase the market value “that would automatically rise its demand.”.
“It was in 2003, when our Parliament passed GI registration of Goods Act. So far 96 items had come under this registration. With the registration of Kashmiri Pashmina and Kani shawl, the number of registered items has reached 98,” Ramesh informed.
Union Minister for Commerce and Power applauded Craft Development Institute (CDI) for its hard work in producing attractive craft items especially shawls, wood carving and other items.
“We have to cross another milestone by making the registration of Kashmir Pashmina, Kani shawl and Kashmiri Sozini with the foreign countries like Europe and America,” Ramesh said.
He said New Delhi was ready to provide every kind of assistance to the Kashmiri artisans in promoting their products.
About the ban on Shahtoos, Ramesh said Prime Minister had formed a team of Task Force to study the Shahtoos ban under Textile Ministry. “Keeping in view the demands of Kashmiri artisans that ban on Shahtoos should be lifted, I will myself study the report on Shahtoos and see what could be done,” Ramesh added.
Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, Governor Narender Nath Vohra said that it takes at least two years to register the products under GI. “We should be thankful to the Ramesh and New Delhi for allowing the registration of Kashmiri Pashmina and Kani Shawl,” Vohra said.
He said in Ludhiana, he had seen Shawls and other wood carving items being sold under Kashmiri tag.
“The GI registration will help gag the manufactures who were hell-bent on exploiting Kashmiri brands especially craft items. On this auspicious occasion, I would like to state that we should eye on sending our products to United States, Europe and World Trade Organization (WTO) under proper registration,” the Governor said.
Meanwhile, President of Tahafoz, an association formed by the CDI and a veteran craftsman, Ali Muhammad Najar, thanked all dignitaries along with Director CDI Muhammad Shariq Farooqi for bringing smile on the faces of scores of Kashmiri craftsmen by announce GI registration on Pashmina Shawl.