IndiGlobal Bureau
The decorative cotton towel popularly called the Assamese Gamosa gets the Geographical tag. In a proud moment for the state of Assam, Gamosa got Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This was confirmed by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday. The gamosa is offered to others especially guests to show respect and love. The red bordered towel is a part an dparcel of Assamese culture.
Taking to Twitter, the union minister said, “Assam’s Pride, Shining Bright! Due recognition of our heritage & cultural identity. Gamosa gets the GI tag, bringing joy to thousands of weavers of this special item that has become a global symbol of Assam. Congratulations to all.”
A geographical indication (GI) is a tag or sign used on products which correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Twitter shared the GI registration certificate, issued on Tuesday, bringing cheers to people across the northeastern state.
The process was started in 2017 when an application for a GI tag was filed. The government has granted Geographical Indications (GI) tag to various products, including Gamosa of Assam, Tandur Redgram of Telangana, and an apricot variety of Ladakh.
The commerce and Industry ministry said on Wednesday that the total number of GI has reached to 432. “Famous Gamosa of Assam, Tandur Redgram of Telangana, RaktseyKarpo Apricot of Ladakh, Alibag White Onion of Maharashtra have got their GI tags,” it said.
There is a proper process of registration of GI products, which includes filing of application, preliminary scrutiny and examination, show cause notice, publication in the geographical indications journal, opposition to registration, and registration.
Any association of persons, producers, organisation or authority established by or under the law can apply. The applicant must represent the interest of the producers.
The famous goods which carry GI tag include Basmati rice, Darjeeling Tea, Chanderi Fabric, Mysore Silk, Kullu Shawl, Kangra Tea, Thanjavur Paintings, Allahabad Surkha, Farrukhabad Prints, Lucknow Zardozi and Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving.