Assamese Gamosa Gets Geographical Indication TAG – Assam

Assamese Gamosa Gets Geographical Indication TAG – Assam (13-12-2022)

Gamosa (or Gamocha)

The gamosa has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag after a long wait. The Geographical Registrar of the Government of India today officially recognized the Gamosa of Assam, the symbol of Assam and Assamese pride. This recognition is granted under the Intellectual Property Act of the Government of India under the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act.

There has been a demand for the GI tag for the gamosa of Assam for the past several years. The recognition of the Gamosa, which has made its mark in the world by highlighting the uniqueness of the Assamese textile industry, will naturally make every Assamese proud.

After the announcement, the Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma, reacted. “It is a matter of pride for the entire state of Assam that the Union Government has honoured the Assamese Gamosa with the GI tag,” he said on Twitter.

The union minister also expressed satisfaction with the decision of the Government of India on the Gamosa of Assam. This recognition will encourage thousands of artisans in Assam. This is the result of the Central Government’s recognition of Assamese artisans.

The Assam Agricultural University (AAU) in 2017 in collaboration with the Assam Council of Science, Technology and Environment and the Directorate of Handicrafts and Textiles of the Government of Assam achieved this goal. The Assam Agricultural University has achieved this much coveted honor for the people of Assam by fulfilling the requirements for obtaining geographical indices such as historical basis and history, characteristics and correct presentation of Gamosa, technical information etc. through a long five year continuous systematic approach. The Assam Agricultural University has been working for a long-term plan for the permanent and universal recognition of the Gamocha, which has come to life in the hands of the artisans of Assam.

After this recognition, eight types of Assamese Gamosas made of white or cream  and red yarn became distinctive: Uka or Sadharan gamocha, Phulam gamocha, Bihuhwan, Tiyani or Pani gamocha, Anakata gamocha, Tails gamocha, Dara baran or jora gamocha and Gosain gamocha.

After this recognition, only the gamochas made by artisans in Assam will be considered as genuine gamochas. As a result, imported gamochas and adulteration of gamochas will be legally prohibited.

The gamocha is expected to gain special status in the global market. This will provide an opportunity for thousands of local artisans to increase their production and income. It is a symbol of Assamese pride

The GI tag has been demanded by many groups and organizations in the past. The union government’s decision today gave the people of Assam a long-awaited good news.The recognition of the Gamocha will bring the identity, glorious heritage and dignity of the Assamese to the world in a new form.

The government of Assam has also focused on the purchase and sale of hand-woven gamochas with the aim of encouraging Assamese artisans. The minister also said that the registration of 5 lakh artisans in Assam has been completed and the state government will also take schemes for artisans and entrepreneurs involved in weaving.