Assam’s Iconic Jewellery and Traditional Crafts Secure GI Tag

GUWAHATI: Assam's legendary jewelry has received the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a huge milestone in upholding and getting recognition for the state's vibrant cultural heritage. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this on his personal social media platform, feeling proud of this honor.

CM Sarma recalled that it was proposed to obtain GI tags in the state budget of 2018-19 to preserve the interests of Assam artisans and craftsmen. Years ago, this was a dream he had envisioned, and now that is a reality.

Posting on X, he quoted, "Assam's jewellery – an inseparable part of our heritage – has received its own Geographical Indication (GI) tag. I distinctly remember that in the 2018-19 Budget, we had proposed to secure a GI tag to protect our artisans. Happy to see these efforts have been realised.”

The GI tag is a valuable acknowledgment that guarantees the uniqueness and authenticity of Assamese jewellery, deterring unauthorized imitation and giving artisans a stronger market identity. This acknowledgment is anticipated to enhance the local economy through heightened demand for traditional Assamese ornaments.

Apart from Assamese ornaments, 19 other traditional items and crafts of Assam, such as the Bihu Dhol, Jaapi, and Bodo community products, have also been accorded GI tag status in April 2024. They include the Sarthebari Metal Craft, Assam Pani Mateka Craft, Assam Asharikandi Terracotta Craft, and Assam Mising Handloom Products, among others.

CM Sarma has already announced this achievement in a post previously, highlighting the fact that such products, embedded so deeply in the past, feed almost a lakh people directly. "A grand success of Assam's heritage! Six glorious GI Tags conferred on heritage crafts with the cooperation of NABARD, RO Guwahati, and by Padma Shri Dr. Rajani Kant, GI Expert," he posted previously.

The Bodo community also approved 13 traditional items on Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma's birth anniversary, who is a prominent leader of the Bodos. CM Sarma said that this would go a long way towards promoting and conserving their traditional handicrafts.

A GI tag is a mark of authentication that a product has distinct attributes, features, or a reputation associated with its geographical location. It safeguards indigenous knowledge and makes sure that only genuine products of the identified region can be sold under the name. The GI tag system in India came into effect on September 15, 2003, with Darjeeling Tea being the first Indian product to be accorded this status.

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