Assam’s ‘gamosa’ to bid for GI registration

The Assam State Handloom and Textiles Directorate has asked the patent information centre (PIC) of the state-run Assam Science Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC) to initiate steps to get the ‘gamosa’, the state’s traditional multipurpose towel, registered as an item having geographical indication (GI), a form of intellectual property right (IPR).

Gamosa faces a threat because of nefarious trade practices and plagiarising by some textile factories outside Assam. These cheaper gamosas are produced in power looms and have thus been affecting the state’s handloom sector, according to media reports in Assam.

The PIC has been asked to collect all the information and prepare the documents required for the purpose, said Mizanur Rahman, additional director of handloom and textiles in the state.

The directorate wants the GI registration to cover all varieties of gamosas, such as the embroidered phulam; the anakata, the ones woven for some special rituals without effecting any cut, and the tiyoni, used while bathing.

The PIC had secured GI registration for the state’s muga silk in 2006, which was the first item from the NE region to get a registration certificate from the GI Registry of India. It has also been working on securing patents for 68 items, six of which have been granted.