Odisha Seeks GI Tag For State’s Brass & Bell Metal Craft

Bhubaneswar: Seeking geographical indication (GI) tag for ‘Odisha Brass and Bell Metal’ products, the Odisha State Co-operative Handicrafts Corporation Limited (Utkalika) has filed an application.

The Utkalika has filed the application for GI tag to brass and bell metal craft products, musical instruments and household/kitchen utensils and containers before the Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade department under Commerce Ministry.

Director of Handicrafts Shyambabhakta Mishra said the application has been filed on Monday (September 5) under section 11 (1) of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999.

The GI tag will help for branding of Odisha’s brass and bell metal crafts in the international market, added Mishra.

As per the Directorate of Handicrafts, the state brass and bell metal craft clusters in 11 districts with around 9,000 artisans. A common facility centre on brass and bell metal craft has been sanctioned at Kantilo and Khalisahi in Nayagarh district.