The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, is set to establish Atmanirbhar Bharat corners in 100 Indian Missions and Embassies worldwide. The first of these corners was unveiled at the Indian Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, during the Independence Day celebrations. TRIFED, a top-level national organization working under the supervision of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has been partaking in various schemes including the Van Dhan Programme, MSP for MFP, and TRIFOOD.
The Role of Atmanirbhar Bharat Corner
The Atmanirbhar Bharat corner will serve as a special area dedicated to promoting tribal art and craft products that have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, in addition to natural and organic products.
Understanding Geographical Indication
Recognized by the World Trade Organization (WTO), Geographical Indication refers to the specific geographical area from which a product—be it an agricultural item, natural product, or manufactured good—originates. It also provides assurances of unique qualities or attributes linked exclusively to that particular geographical region.
India became a part of this convention when it enacted the Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection Act), 1999, as a WTO member. This act came into effect in September 2003. Administration of this Act falls under the jurisdiction of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks, who also holds the position of the Registrar of Geographical Indications. The Geographical Indications Registry of India is situated in Chennai. A geographical indication registration is valid for a period of 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely in periods of 10 years each.
Other Connected Initiatives
Alongside the Atmanirbhar Bharat corners, several other related initiatives are playing pivotal roles in promoting tribal products. Some of these prominent drives include Aadi Mahotsav, Go Tribal campaign, and TRIBES India.
Note: Information sourced from PIB
Last Modified: February 13, 2024