Buzz around GI tagging in Assam’s poll-bound Bodoland

Assam’s poll-bound Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) has the usual issues. It also has a new topic of discussion — Geographical Indication or GI tags for its traditional products, crafts, and agricultural items.

Elections in the 8,970 sq. km. BTR, governed by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), are scheduled on September 22. The council has 40 constituencies spread across five districts, all bordering Bhutan.

Also read: Regional rivals urged to unite ahead of Bodoland polls in Assam

A team of Bodo youth undertook an initiative that helped the BTR government get GI registration for 21 items, including local textiles and traditional alcoholic beverages. Awareness about the inherent benefits of such tagging virtually triggered a race among 26 indigenous communities to register their cultural artefacts.

The core members of the team are biotechnologist Ling Narzihary, artist Swapna Muchahary, social worker Kansai Brahma, and entrepreneurs Nachani Brahma, Pulak Basumatary, and Ranjila Mohilary.

“A GI tag fuels economic growth through higher market value and export potential, legal protection against unauthorised use and imitation, cultural preservation, and enhanced consumer trust by assuring quality and authenticity. It also fosters rural development,” Mr. Narzihary said.

The team began collecting data in 2021 and identified more than 50 items that qualified for GI tagging. The registration for 21 of these was secured between November 2023 and May 2024.

A few months ago, the BTR government launched a special drive to secure the GI tag for the remaining and more traditional items of all 26 communities living in the BTR. Apart from the dominant Bodos, the communities include Adivasis, Gurkhas, Koch-Rajbongshis, Hajongs, Kurukhs, Madahi Kacharis, Hiras, and Patnis.

Recently, the Delhi-based Gandhi Hindustani Sahitya Sabha was roped in to provide expert guidance through a series of workshops, and help various community scholars and leaders to identify and document their respective cultural items for filing GI tag applications.

The goal is to create “GI villages”, where clusters of artisans and farmers will be supported with training, infrastructure, and direct market linkages.

ABSU resolution

About a decade ago, the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) adopted a resolution to seek GI tags for items unique to the BTR. The union was then headed by Pramod Boro, one of the key architects of the Bodo Peace Accord in January 2020.

Also read: Eight products used by Assam tribe granted GI tag

The push for GI tagging came after Mr. Boro, who left the ABSU to join the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), became the Chief Executive Member of the BTC in December 2020. The UPPL rules the BTR in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the regional Gana Suraksha Party.

The UPPL and the BJP are locked in a three-cornered contest along with the Bodoland People’s Front.

One of the priorities of the BTR government, headed by Mr. Boro, was to ensure the recognition and protection of indigenous heritage. The government’s objective was similar to that of the team headed by Mr. Narzihary, leading to their collaboration.

Among the 21 items that received the GI tag are Aronai, Dokhona, and Zwmgra (motif-rich textiles); Kham, Serza, and Siphung (musical instruments); Maibra Zwu Bidwi and Zwu Gisi (alcoholic beverages); Gwkha Gwkhwi and Napham (cuisine); and Gongar Dundia and Khera Daphini (rare medicinal plants).