Kutchi shawls, woven with traditional Kutchi designs and processed on handlooms in Kutch district of Gujarat in India, have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
The Kutchi shawls are made of acrylic wool, are dyed and have one solid colour throughout, and can be easily distinguished.
The GI tag ensures that none other than those registered as authorized users (or at least those residing inside the geographic territory) are allowed to use the popular product name.
The GI registration while giving distinct identity, would also act as an assurance of quality. It is, thus, expected to further promote marketing of Kutchi shawls, and also help in checking their imitation.
The GI tag would especially prove beneficial to more than 1,200 weavers belonging to Meghwal and Vankar communities in Kutch region spread across 210 villages, including Bhujodi, Bundra, Gambudi, Manukna and Tumka.
About 800-900 of these weavers are engaged on a full-time basis in the production of shawls. In addition, nearly 2,400 women from various households are also involved in preparatory and finishing process of shawls, according to the GI application.