GI registration for Manipur State Handloom & Handicrafts products soon
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 01, 2013: Along with official procedures to obtain patent rights for three specific indigenous handloom products of Manipur, efforts are on to study intricacies of tribal shawls for similar patent guardianship, said Principal Secretary (Commerce & Industries) O Nabakishore Singh.

Speaking as the chief guest at the one-day seminar cum workshop for 'awareness & registration on Geographical Indications (GI) at Imphal Hotel today, the IAS officer said that preservation of Manipur's traditional and indigenous handloom and handicraft products could be ensured with the stamp of approval under the GI Act.

Informing that GI experts from Chennai would be in the State to oversee relevant process regarding GI registration, Nabakishore stated that upon completing registration formalities there would be increased focus on design and product of State's handloom and handicraft items.

While stating that three highly-acclaimed handloom products namely Saphee-Lanphee, Wangkhei Phee and Moirang Phee have been forwarded for GI registration, the Principal Secretary also conveyed that a committee delegation would arrive in the State in April or May to collect detailed report about the three handloom products.

The committee would study period of origin, history as well as to whom right to wear/use the said Phees were granted by the then rulers and members of the royal family, he explained and added that on completing the study GI registration would be officially endorsed.

Noting that the three products are exclusively made in Manipur only, Nabakishore maintained that GI registration of the same would not only guarantee patent rights but also protect them from duplication under international laws.

Highlighting that multiethnic Manipur has over 30 different tribes having their respective shawls with unique patterns or design, he informed the gathering that research work is underway to facilitate GI registration.

Listing fermented fish (Ngari) and U-morok (a chilly variety) as two unique food items associated with the people of Manipur, the chief guest mooted that GI registration of the two popular food items will enhance their business prospects.

Asserting that Government of Manipur is fully committed to preserve its indigenous products, including agriculture and horticulture produces, he conveyed that department concerned would be consulted to process for registration.

It is said that out of 13 items from the North East region that applied for GI registration, three are products of Manipur.

According to Assistant Registrar of Trade Marks & GI, Chennai Chinnaraja G Naidu, apart from the three Phees under GI registration process, Manipur has about 130 products of international repute.

Naming Ukhrul pottery (Nungpi chaphu) as one of the unique items of Manipur whose manufacturing technique is familiar to the local artisans only, Naidu conceded his knowledge is limited to the fact that the pottery products were inventions of Tangkhul forefathers.

He, however, regretted that in spite of highly skilled local workers the State lacks expertise on how to market the products on a wider scale.

The Assistant Registrar also highlighted that despite abundant natural resources and equally attractive bamboo products lack of awareness or delay on the registration aspect had resulted in production/development of similar products in other parts of the country.

For preservation of the traditional art and its products there is need for the artisan community in general and the State Government in particular to follow registration procedures, Naidu stressed.

Among others Director of Department of Commerce and Industries B John Tlangtinkhuma, IPR Head Hyderabad Rabi and Additional Director (Com & Ind) Tolthang also attended the workshop cum seminar organised by State's Directorate of Commerce and Industries under the aegis of Geographical Indication Registry, Govt of India.

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