Originally posted in The Daily Star on 28 February 2024
Recently, the Indian state of West Bengal was awarded the geographical indication (GI) tag for Tangail sarees — a decision that has stirred up considerable debate and concern. Tangail sarees have been an essential part of our cultural heritage since the craft of producing taant began in Pathrail, Tangail. To understand the stance regarding GI better a roundtable discussion was held at The Daily Star Centre on Monday, 12 February, 2024 with economists, craft revivalists, and legal experts from Bangladesh and India.
Dr Fahmida Khatun,
Executive Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)
GIs are distinctive signs that tell us where a product comes from and how special it is. Some of these signs have become well-known and trusted. If we do not protect them, dishonest businesses might use them wrongly for their financial benefit. This is undesirable for both the buyers and the honest producers.
GIs can also help create a competitive advantage for products in the international market because the fact that a product is eligible to have a GI tag implies that it has certain unique qualities for which it has gained a reputation.
Socially and culturally, GIs help safeguard the cultural heritage of a region by preserving the distinct characteristics and qualities of products tied to that specific location. This preservation not only maintains the authenticity of the products but also contributes to the overall cultural identity and heritage of the region. It may also help to get a special price for the uniqueness of a product. Of course, this is not automatic. It requires branding and marketing of the product simultaneously.
The producers of GI goods will have to be linked with the market so that they can benefit economically by producing the goods. Without GI, similar products may be available at a cheaper price attracting more consumers. This will in turn help them expand their businesses and continue to keep prices lower as they have economies of scale. As a result, the unique product may lose its acceptability amidst price wars and economies of scale.
To hold onto the heritage, give value to the exclusivity, and justify the price and hard work behind a product, GI tags are very important. Otherwise, heritage products are certain to get lost, especially due to the acceleration of technology, power looms, and economies of scale.