India to ensure GI tag for six handicraft products from AP

Hyderabad, Jan 22 (UNI) The Union Government is actively pursuing registration of Geographical Indication (GI) and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection for six handicraft products from Andhra Pradesh, Central Handicrafts Development Commissioner Sanjay Agarwal said today.

GI, the sign marked on goods that have a specific geographical origin, was being pursued for the famous Nirmal paintings, Bidri metal wares, leather puppetry, Pembarthy brasswares, Cheryial paintings and Bobili Veena, Mr Agarwal, who was here as part of the ongoing expo 'Sourcing of handicrafts', told reporters here.

The GI registration had been made for Pochampalli sarees, Guduthi vessels and Kalamkari paintings in Andhra Pradesh. The GI tag would help to enhance export markets and revenues for these products, he added.

The Centre would cover eight lakh artisan families under the Rajiv Gandhi Shilpa Swasthya Bima Yojana during the 11th five-year plan period at a cost of Rs 350 crore to provide comprehensive health insurance, including Rs 15,000 for hospitalisation and Rs one lakh for death due to accident, Mr Agarwal said, adding that the premium was as low as Rs 75 per annum for SC/ST/BPL persons and Rs 150 per annum for general category artisans.

Handicrafts mall at a cost of Rs 45 crore each would be constructed in all major cities to showcase the products, he said, adding that the first of the malls would come up in Vasant Kunj in New Delhi in the next few months.

Resource centres for 16 crafts would be started during the 11th plan, he added.

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