Shikara and Kashmir Willow Bat Seek Designation as Geographical Indicators by Hindustan Times
In the picturesque valley of Kashmir, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and exquisite handicrafts, discussions are underway to secure Geographical Indication (GI) tagging for five additional crafts. These crafts include Kashmir Namda, Gabba, Wagguv, Shikara, and Kashmir Willow bat.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation, a 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. The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) and Intellectual Property India (IPI) are working together to speed up the GI registration process for these crafts.
Kashmir Namda and Gabba are types of Valley-specific woollen rugs, while Wagguv is a mat made of reed and paddy straw. Shikara, on the other hand, is a pleasure boat on Dal Lake. Kashmir Willow bat is a craft that is yet to receive GI tagging, like the other four.
The dossier for registration of these five crafts seeking GI tagging has already been submitted to Intellectual Property India, Chennai. Discussions have also been held regarding the GI submission of three more products of the Valley: copperware, willow wicker, and chain stitch crafts, which are already under consideration for GI registration.
The government has stated that geographical indication tagging has acquired greater significance due to the shift towards Vocal for Local. The push for the production and sale of these seven GI-tagged Kashmir handicrafts, which already include Kani Shawl, Pashmina, Sozni, Paper-Machie, Walnut Wood Carving, Khatamband, and Hand Knotted Carpets, is part of this initiative.
In recent times, efforts have been focused on protecting and promoting the existing GI-tagged crafts through strict regulation and introduction of GI-based QR labeling to prevent misbranding and fake products in the market. Dealers have been mandated to display GI certification prominently and to sell only genuine handmade Kashmir handicrafts, with penalties including blacklisting and deregistration for non-compliance.
However, as of July 2025, there is no publicly available detailed update on the specific process or progress of GI tagging for these additional five crafts beyond the already registered ones. This suggests that while existing GI-tagged crafts are under active protection, any progress on tagging additional crafts either has not been publicly reported yet or is still in preliminary or confidential stages.
For those interested in newly proposed GI tags for other Kashmiri crafts, continuous monitoring of official updates from the Jammu & Kashmir Handicrafts Department or the Geographical Indications Registry of India would be recommended.
- The thriving handicraft industry in Kashmir is seeking financial support and protection for the Geographical Indication (GI) tagging of five additional crafts, including Kashmir Willow bat, as discussions with Intellectual Property India progress.
- The newly proposed GI tags for the Kashmiri crafts copperware, willow wicker, and chain stitch crafts, already under consideration for registration, demonstrate the industry's commitment to expanding the range of protected handicrafts.
- While strides are being made in the protection and promotion of existing GI-tagged Kashmir handicrafts, the specific process or progress of GI tagging for the additional five crafts, submitting their dossier as of July 2025, remains uncertain and may be in preliminary or confidential stages.
