Assam-made clothing to get GI registration

The state government of Assam has formed a sub-

committee to obtain Geographical Indication (GI) registration for protecting handloom products from the state. The committee would first apply for GI registration of Sualkuchi-made bridal attire of Assam silk, along with the state’s eri chador and gamocha.

One department among the 21-member sub-committee, headed by the Additional Secretary, Handloom & Textiles Department would take the responsibility of initiating the process. The sub-committee was established to protect weavers and handloom owners of Sualkuchi in March this year against the practice of selling plagiarized silk products. In fact, even the police had to intervene and impose curfew in Sualkuchi areas to stop protests.

The Handloom & Textiles Department has also decided to provide protection to the innovative designs or textile-related products of the state. The department has already gathered around 80 innovative designs belonging exclusively to Sualkuchi, so that they can be patented. Even the Bureau of Patent and Trademark has decided to help artisans in the process of registration, patenting and GI registration of their innovations.