Bhopal: The state level consultation meeting for GI tagging under the World Bank-supported RAMP scheme was held in the conference hall of Small Industries Corporation on Tuesday by Madhya Pradesh Small Industries Corporation, the state nodal agency under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department. In the workshop, an MoU was signed between Madhya Pradesh Small Industries Corporation and Human Welfare Association Varanasi regarding the GI tagging process.
In the workshop, there was a discussion on establishing the necessary departmental coordination to identify the traditional, geographically and culturally specific products of the state and get them GI tag. There was also a discussion on legal protection of these products, access to national and international markets and getting wider recognition through branding. Commissioner MSME Shri Dilip Kumar called upon the departments to participate enthusiastically under the scheme and highlighted the benefits to the country.
The workshop discussed identification of traditional products in sectors such as agriculture, handicrafts, forest produce, textiles and food processing for GI tagging, 
compilation of historical and cultural documents required for GI registration process and preparation of a common action plan through departmental coordination and filing of GI for 20 products in the coming year. Serious discussions were held on promoting market and branding opportunities by linking GI products with One District-One Product policy.
At the beginning of the program, GI tagging expert and Executive Director of Human Welfare Association, Varanasi, Dr. Rajnikant shared the process of GI tagging, legal framework, and information about successful GI registrations across the country. Through examples like Banarasi saree, Chanderi textile and Madhubani painting, he explained how GI tagging not only protects the products but also empowers the livelihood of artisans and farmers.
The workshop was attended by senior officials and experts from various departments and institutions of the state, including Forest Department, SIDBI, Department of Fisheries, Department of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture, Handicrafts and Handloom Directorate, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur, Scheduled Caste Development, Madhya Pradesh Minor Forest Produce Federation, Animal Husbandry, Silk Directorate, etc. The officials shared the list of specific products of their respective regions, which are eligible for GI registration. The MoU is aimed at providing technical support, documentation, application process, training and publicity for GI tagging of about 20 traditional products of the state. Ramp Nodal Officer Shri Anil Thagale requested all the departments to suggest names of such specific products which can be taken forward in the GI tagging process.
