Impact Of Geographical Indication (GI) Certification On Kota Doria Weavers' Livelihood.pdf

The study aims to understand how GI recognition influences awareness, information accuracy, demand, sales, profitability, and market expansion for this traditional handloom product.

Key Points:

1. Background:
- India boasts a rich cultural heritage of handicrafts derived from tribal communities and local knowledge.
- Handlooms can alleviate poverty, boost local economies, and strengthen community bonds.
- GI tags protect unique products, preserve traditions, and ensure quality.

2. Study Objectives:
- Provide an overview of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), Geographical Indications, and their relevance.
- Explain the GI registration process in India.
- Examine the current status of GI-registered products.
- Assess Kota Doria weavers' awareness about their GI tag.
- Evaluate the impact of GI certification on demand, sales, profitability, and market reach for Kota Doria sarees.
- Offer recommendations to help weavers capitalize on their GI-tagged products in a competitive market.

3. Significance:
- While Kota Doria received GI recognition in 2005, it still faces unfair competition from similar fabric produced using power looms in Uttar Pradesh.
- Previous research focused on demographic, socioeconomic, and production/sale challenges; this study fills a gap by analyzing the post-GI impact.

4. Methodology:
- Descriptive and exploratory research methods combining primary (surveys, interviews) and secondary data from newspapers, journals, GI registry websites, etc.
- Systematic questionnaire, observation, and personal interviews with 30 weavers in Kaithoon village using simple random sampling.

5. Literature Review:
- Overview of Intellectual Property Rights (copyrights, patents, trademarks, etc.) and their role in fostering innovation and protecting creators' rights.
- Introduction to Geographical Indications, their definition, and legal framework in India (Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999).

6. Need for GI’s:
- Handloom industry is crucial for rural livelihoods; GI tags safeguard weavers from counterfeit items, ensuring authenticity and preserving traditional knowledge.

7. Findings and Discussion:
- The study reveals varying levels of awareness among Kota Doria weavers about their GI tag.
- GI certification has positively impacted demand, sales, profitability, and market expansion for Kota Doria sarees.
- Recommendations include improving communication, training on marketing strategies, and fostering collaboration among weavers to enhance their competitive edge.