HP seeks to patent handicrafts

To protect artisans producing some of the most well-known handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh, the state government is in the process of patenting them.

According to official sources, State Council Science and Technology Department (SCSTD) Secretary Sanjeev Gupta is believed to have asked the Registrar of Geographical Indications (GIs), Chennai, for permission.

Gupta has issued a notification asking for identifying more items to be included on the geographical indications list, from local artisans, organisations, and experts.

The state is learnt to have sought permission to include the Kullu shawl, Kinnauri Shawl and Himachali cap in the geographical indications list.

If permitted, no country, including members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), will be able to produce or use the names of these goods.

In view of the demand for these traditional handicrafts, often purchased as souvenirs by tourists, non-Himachali businessmen have been allegedly producing look-alike items in large numbers to be sold in markets across the country, adversely affecting both the artisans and consumers.

"The Himachal patent centre has already established the uniqueness of the Kullu and Kinnauri shawls and Himachali caps, and these will be registered soon," said S S Chandel, senior scientific officer of the State Council Science and Technology Department.

"Other region-specific products were also being identified. This will help in preventing outsiders from producing look-alike goods," he added.

Officials say the artistic Chamba chappal, the rare and delicious red rice (or kasatu), Kangra tea, Chulli oil, and Kinnauri wine may be on the list.

"We cannot compete with machine-made goods. If this law comes into force, it may revive the art of making Kinnauri shawls and caps," said Jagat Prakash Negi, a traditional artisan in the tribal district of Kinnaur.