GI tag hearing for Senga, Kanna, ornamental items today
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 15 2025: After the successful acquisition of Geographical Indication (GI) tags for three handloom products from Manipur - Saphee-Lanphee, Moirang Phee, and Wangkhei Phee - three more indigenous products may soon receive similar recognition.

The new products likely to get GI tags include 'Senga' (brass plate), ornamental items, and Kauna (water reed) products indigenous to Manipur.

The final hearing on the three new products applied for GI tags will be conducted on Wednesday at the GI registration office based in Chennai through video conferencing, announced Th Basanta, general manager, Manipur Handloom & Handicraft Development Corporation Limited.

Addressing the gathering at the closing ceremony of the 14-day State Handloom Expo (Hathkargha Mela) held at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi on Tuesday, Th Basanta remarked that Saphee-Lanphee, Moirang Phee and Wangkhei Phee already awarded GI status cannot be produced outside Manipur or modified elsewhere in India or abroad.

He noted that if a GI-tagged prod uct gains popularity and demand, there will be ample marketing opportunities, and will ultimately enhance the economy of those involved in its production.

According to Basanta, the process for GI registration of Senga, ornamental items and Kauna products under the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 began from the year 2022 .

He informed that after sending all relevant documents, designs and necessary requirements, the GI registration office in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) have raised several questions regarding distinguishing character, reasons for applying GI numbers and existing makers for the products.

"Answers to the queries have already been provided to the GJ registration office and final hearing will be conducted on Wednesday through video conferencing," Th Basanta said, expressing hope of securing GI tags for the three new products.

He further informed the gathering that discussion is on for applying GI tags for three more state's indigenous handloom products namely, Phanek, Rani Phee and Pheinao.

While Phanek and Rani Phee face no contention, there is some debate regarding Pheinao during public hearings.

However, the GI registration process for Phanek and Rani Phee will soon be initiated, he added.

The closing ceremony of the Hathkargha Mela organised by Manipur Handloom & Handicraft Development Corporation Limited was also attended by Weaver Resource Centre, officer of the development commissioner (handloom) technical superintendent Surendra Kumar, Imphal West project director (handloom) Dasumati Devi and state awardee (handloom) Angom Anita.

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