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Kullu shawls get a patent
by Rajiv Kimta

    Kullu: The shawls made in Kullu have long been a worldwide attraction for their designs, textures and colours. But like many other business ventures, the ghost of piracy has affected these shawls too. Recently, the Kullu shawls have been accorded a Geographical Indications (GIs) status for protection from piracy. With many others making shawls in other places and selling them as Kullu shawls, the Original weavers of the Kullu shawls witnessed a gradual fall in their sales. In an initiative to prevent such practices, the Department of Science and Technology of Himachal Pradesh has accorded a GIs status to Kullu shawls. Officials say hereafter the shawls produced in Kullu will be recognised as a product of the Valley.

   Information relating to the shawls will be accessible through net and a GI logo will be given. With this buyers from across the country and outside will be able to access the site and collect necessary information. In case anyone illegally uses the name of Kullu shawls, a provision for heavy penalty has also been made. "As per the benefits of GI Act, Kullu shawl will be recognised as a product of Kullu valley. As per the special rights given to the weavers, a logo GI will be made which will be accessible through net and holdings. The system will educate national and international buyers about the manufacturers of Kullu shawls, its importance and how the producers will benefit," said Ghansham Dass, General Manager Industries (Himachal Pradesh). "If a product brought from outside is sold as Kullu shawl then penal action will be taken and fine would be imposed. For this Kullu Weavers' Association has to come forward and the Government is with them," said Dass.

   Meanwhile, the Weaver fraternity has welcomed the patent rights introduced by the government. Kullu weavers feel it will save their business threatened by the sale of shawls made elsewhere. "We have been demanding the grant of Patent rights from the government for a long time. Now, after we have got it, it will benefit us. In Ludhiana the shawls were sold as Kullu shawls and we faced problems. Since we weave it ourselves, the price was high but in Ludhiana it was sold at low a price. The survival of Kullu shawls was in danger. We are now benefiting from it," says Meghna Acharya, a weaver. Hereafter, no manufacturer can call a shawl produced outside the defined geographical territory of Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh as Kullu Shawl. Any violation of the patent norms shall invite a six months' imprisonment, which may be extended to two years and a fine of rupees 50,000 to two lakhs.
-Feb 12, 2006

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