GI Tag granted to Eight Districts for Kolhapuri Chappals

July 18,2019:

The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM) has granted Geographical Indications (GI) for Kolhapuri Chappal.

A joint bid for GI Tag was made by the Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation Limited of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) and the Dr Babu Jagjeevan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation of Karnataka (LIDKAR) in 2009.

Kohlapur, Sangli, Satara and Solapur districts of Maharashtra and Dharwad, Belgaum, Bagalkot and Bijapur of Karnataka was granted GI tags for Kolhapur Chappal.

GI is used on items which have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality. The tag is valid for a period of 10 years following and it is renewable. The sui generis Act for the protection of GI in India is Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999. This Act was enacted by India so as to comply with Agreement on TRIPS by WTO.

The brand Kolhapuri was popular at the start of the twentieth century in Kohlapur. Later Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj encouraged its production in twenty-nine tanning centres. As the Kolhapur is the birthplace of Kolhapuri Chappal, so the artisans and weavers of this Chappal from Kolhapur are upset with the grant of GI tags to other seven. They claimed that generation wise they learnt the artistic designs and sewing techniques. Recognition to the similar footwear made in other districts will demoralise the spirit of the handmade and traditional process of local artisans. The artists of Kolhapur uses handmade designs whereas other districts take the help of modern technology. The Director of Kolhapuri Chappal cluster is eager to approach the Bombay High against the GI tag decision.

GI tags help to get a big platform for business. It also protects the heritage of our country. Kolhapuri Chappal is an authentic design made by a human body. The history says that the chappal is stitched and punched with hand and this manufacture never harmed the user of the footwear. The Legal authority will now resolve the disturbance related to GI tag decision.

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