Dr. Rajendra Mohan Gonela

Introduction

The inclusion of Geographical Indications (GIs) under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement of WTO has been acclaimed by developing countries for its potential to boost rural development, create wealth and protect traditional knowledge. The premium consumers are willing to pay for the GI registered product as it is inextricably linked to the quality of the product. This calls for a thorough re-organization of the supply chain to adhere to not only quality but also to ensure that the revenue arising out of GI is distributed equally along the supply chain. If an initiative of supply of handloom cloth to Government departments is introduced at the national level it would augur well for the weavers and we may rest assured that good days have dawned on handloom cloth in general and Geographical Indications in particular.