Centre sets target of 10,000 Geographical Indication tags by 2030

In a push to strengthen the intellectual property rights (IPR) ecosystem in the country, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has set a target of 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) tags by 2030.

The target will be pursued through a whole-of-government approach, with the government planning to constitute a committee to oversee the progress, said the minister.

Currently, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has issued 605 GI tags.

The number of authorised users for GI tags has increased from 365 to 29,000, and the number of patents granted has grown from 6,000 to 100,000 over the past 10 years.

Emphasizing the idea of ‘Vikas bhi aur Virasat bhi,’ presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Goyal praised the ongoing efforts of the Prime Minister, including the mention of various GI products in his ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio programme.

Goyal also highlighted initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Fund (ANRFF) and the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, recognizing the efforts of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra state governments in promoting GI products.

“The government also increased the manpower strength of the DPIIT, and the entire process has been moved online in a time-bound manner,” the Minister added.

Goyal stressed the importance of better branding for GI products and suggested collaboration with the FSSAI and BIS to ensure higher quality standards, which will help address the issue of counterfeit products.

The minister also discussed the potential for collaboration with the private sector and government bodies like railways and airports.

Goyal proposed that GI-tagged products could be listed on platforms like GeM, ONDC, and even e-commerce sites.

Furthermore, GI products could be showcased by Indian embassies abroad, similar to ODOP products, unlocking greater export potential for the sector.