Awareness Programme on Geographical Indication and Registration Support Organised for Bell-Metal Craft Community at Sarthebari

An awareness programme titled “GI & Post GI Activity – Authorized User Registration” was held today at the premises of The Assam Co-operative Bell-Metal Utensils Manufacturing Society Ltd., Sarthebari, in collaboration with NABARD and DICC, Barpeta. The event drew substantial participation from local artisans, members of cooperatives, and other regional stakeholders.

The programme aimed to equip artisans of the Sarthebari bell-metal craft with a clearer understanding of the significance of Geographical Indication (GI), and to facilitate their formal enrolment as authorised GI users. Officers from NABARD led the technical sessions, during which they highlighted the role of GI in safeguarding traditional crafts, ensuring authenticity, and enhancing market recognition of indigenous products. They further provided guidance on the completion of authorised user registration forms, offering practical assistance to attendees. Further instruction covered the procedure for submission of proposals, requisite documentation, and the legal frameworks and compliance requirements governing GI.

Representatives of both NABARD and DICC reiterated their commitment to extending comprehensive support, including facilitation of GI registration, market linkage, and legal advisory, to further the growth and sustainability of the local artisan community. The programme represents a substantive step towards enabling artisans to obtain authorised GI user status and thereby derive the legal and commercial benefits conferred by GI protection.

The event was attended by the General Manager of DICC, Barpeta, the District Development Manager of NABARD, and a representative from the NABARD Assam Regional Office.