NEC mulls for craft patent

Aizawl, Oct 12 (UNI) To protect the ethnic and traditional designs of the handicrafts in the NE, the North Eastern Council (NEC) has urged the Planning Commission to activate a formal patent regime.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is working to develop a logo for the handicrafts of each state in the region under Documentation and Registration of Handicrafts of Northeastern States under Intellectual Property Rights, Handicrafts NE promotion officer T Rollee told UNI here today.

''NIFT is identifying two to three unique handicrafts from each state to be patented,'' he said.

Mr Rollee said various handicrafts promotional activities like exhibitions and workshops would also be taken up in the region with the help of NIFT.

The NEC had called for identifying the neglected handloom and handicraft sector as a thrust area in the Eleventh Plan.

Fashion design courses and fabric value addition could be set up in some of the state capitals, the council stated.It also added that financial support would be provided to the existing universities and colleges to include these subjects in curriculum.

Besides,Central assistance would be raised to 90 per cent for all Central schemes for strengthening the NE handicrafts and handlooms development corporation under the DoNER ministry, Mr Rollee added.

UNI SNR PP SS1016