Chamba Rumal gets Geographical Indications Status

Shimla, Nov 2 (UNI) The famous Chamba Rumal, a pictorial craft that represents unique embroidery on cloth, has been conferred legal protection under the Geographical Indications (GIs) of Goods Act of 1999, boosting its commercial prospects manifold.

Moreover, the GIs status, a kind of Community Patent, would prevent the unauthorised production and use of name of Chamba Rumal by any unauthorised producer outside the geographical region of Chamba in Himachal Pradesh, according to Himachal Pradesh Secretary Science and Technology, Nagin Nanda.

The Registrar, Geographical Registry, Chennai, has recently issued a certificate registering Chamba Rumal as Geographical Indication No 79, with effect from January 22 ,2007 that is the date of filing application for registration, he said.

The exquisite 'Chamba Rumal', which originated and flourished in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh in the 17th-18th centuries, is embroidered with the technique of double satin stitches known as 'do - rukha - tanka' (double-sided) making the designs on both sides look equally identical in content.

The outlines of Chamba Rumal are made with fine charcoal and brush by Chamba Rumal painters well-versed in Pahari painting.

Dr. Nagin Nanda, Member Secretary of the State Council stated that after the registration of Chamba Rumal under GI Act 1999, any unauthorised use and infringement of the craft by producers other than those from the region of origin could result in maximum of 3 years imprisonment and a fine of maximum of Rs 2,00,000.

The colourful Kullu Shawl and delicious Kangra Tea have already been got registered by the State Council for Science, Technology and Environment and with the registration of Chamba Rumal under GI Act, 1999 a new vista has been opened whereby its market potential would grow, boosting the economy of the region, said Principal Secretary (Environment, Science and Technology) Sarojini Ganju Thakur.

Ms Thakur informed that Himachal Pradesh is the first state in the country to formulate a policy for the registration of Geographical Indications of Himachal Pradesh vide which HP Patent Information Centre of the State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, is the Nodal Agency for the registration of products of HP under the GI Act, 1999 so as to protect the interests of artisans and producers of the state.

Minister for Environment, Science and Technology JP Nadda congratulated the State Council and lauded the efforts and called upon the scientists to explore options for registering other products of Himacahal under the Geographic Indication Act, 1999.

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