The location of the State of Jammu and Kashmir represents a
confluence where East, West, Central and South Asia meet which has provided an
opportunity for the convergence of Hellenistic, Sinic, Iranian and Indian
thought and culture. The geographical location of the valley of Kashmir
has made it an ideal location for handicrafts because local people prefer to
stay indoors due to long winters.
This paper
discusses different geographical indications which could be considered for
registration in the light of statistical figures of revenue generated by such
handicrafts. It also discusses lack of adequate governmental support to
mobilize local human resource to take up handicrafts on professional lines for
self employment which could ease the burden on the government resources to
provide jobs to educated youth which is a perennial problem for the State of
Jammu and Kashmir due to the lack of investment by the corporate sector and
income generating units in the State. The paper points out some loopholes in
the GI Act which could impede registration of geographical indications or could
unjustly help traders of geographical indications to exploit ignorance of its
true owners. It has been also argued that the traditional knowledge relating to
handicrafts which is left un-protected should be protected by some suigeneris
system to suit the needs of the local craftsmen.
Disclaimer: NISCAIR assumes no responsibility for the statements and opinions advanced by contributors. The editorial staff in its work of examining papers received for publication is helped, in an honorary capacity, by many distinguished engineers and scientists.
