Govt launches logo/tagline contest to promote country's Geographical Indicators

The government has launched a logo and tagline/slogan contest for promotion of Geographical Indications (GIs) of India to give an opportunity to creators who aspire to see their creation recognized on a national platform. A Geographical Indication (GI) is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory, like Darjeeling Tea, Tirupathi Laddu, Kangra Paintings, Nagpur Orange, Kashmir Pashmina, etc.

Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin. The contest, the details of which have been placed on < MyGov.in > website, is being conducted by the Cell for IPR Promotions & Management (CIPAM) under the aegis of the Department of Industrial Policy Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

GIs are not only part of the country’s rich culture and collective intellectual heritage, but they also supplement the incomes of rural farmers, weavers, artisans and craftsmen across the country. The promotion of GIs is in line with the Government’s ‘Make in India’ campaign. Taking forward its ongoing social media campaign #LetsTalkIP to promote Indian GIs, DIPP aims to launch a certifying GI mark/logo that can be used to identify all registered GIs irrespective of the categories, and a suitable tagline/slogan for promotion of GIs.

This will also help in engaging more people on the subject of GIs and making them aware about the benefits of a GI tag. DIPP has taken several initiatives for promoting awareness and outreach on GIs. One of the ways to promote GIs could be to present them as gifts. In this context, CIPAM has also launched “Gift a GI” campaign to enhance the visibility and thus help in branding and promotion of registered GI products. DIPP is also working with State governments to spread awareness on GIs.