NABARD Support Gets GI Tags in Rajasthan

Rajasthan got 5 GI Tags with the help of NABARD. These are Nathdwara Pichwai Craft, Bikaner Kashidakari Craft, Bikaner Usta Kala Craft, Jodhpur Bandhej Craft, Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft.

NABARD in Rajasthan is undertaking various initiatives for the promotion of farm and off farm sector through skill development programmes, GI, promotion of farm and off farm producer organizations, exposure visits of farmers, development of watersheds and wadis for tribal people of the State. During FY 2022-23, NABARD disbursed an amount of Rs.31.04 crore on various developmental interventions in the State.

About recently got GI tags

• Nathdwara Pichwai paintings: Mainly found in Nathdwara temple in Rajsamand. Pichwais are religious cloth paintings that are hung behind the idols in the shrines of Lord Shrinathji (Lord Krishna) at Nathdwara and other temples of Pushti Marga sect.
• Bikaner Kashidakari Craft: It draws on cloth with needlework crafted on cotton, silk, or velvet and showcases fine stitches and mesmerizing mirror-work. The Meghwal community in Bikaner and nearby districts is skilled in this art.
• Jodhpur Bandhej Craft: Bandhej is the Rajasthani art of tying and dyeing. Fabrics of cotton, silk, wool, or synthetic materials can be utilized for this process.
• Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft: Since Koftgiri was always in relation to this sword making technique. It can be said koftgari originated somewhere in between Persia and India. Historically Koftgari has never been traced for origins but the artisans say the craft has become prominent since the time of the Mughals.
• At present, there are few craftsmen left who practice this craft. Some families in the regions of Udaipur, Jaipur and Chittorgarh in Rajasthan are still practicing Koftgiri and imitation of Damascus steel as their profession.
• Bikaner Usta Kala Craft: Gold nakashi or gold manauti work on diverse surfaces like wood, metal, marble, ivory, and leather.During the period of Mughal Emperor Akbar, a group of Usta artists from Iran came to Bikaner to execute design work at the famous Junagarh fort of Bikaner.  

What is a geographical indication?

• A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place.
• Under Articles 1 (2) and 10 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, geographical indications are covered as an element of intellectual Property Rights. 
• They are also covered under Articles 22 to 24 of the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, which was part of the Agreements concluding the Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations.
• India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection)Act, 1999 which came into force with effect from 15th September 2003.

About NABARD

• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was approved by the Parliament through Act 61 of 1981. 
• This unique development financial institution was created to focus on credit related issues linked with rural development. 
• The agricultural credit functions of RBI and refinance functions of the then Agricultural Refinance and Development Corporation (ARDC) was transferred to NABARD. It was dedicated to the service of the nation by the late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi on 05 November 1982. 

GI Tag of Rajasthan