Press Release
Press Release Issued by SEED Cell
Information & Public Relations Department
GI Tag Consultation Meeting with Ethnic Communities of Sikkim.
A consultation meeting on Geographical Indication (GI) Tag registration with representatives of the ethnic communities of Sikkim was held at the SEED Cell Head Office, Gangtok, to identify and explore traditional products, practices, crafts and cultural assets that possess unique geographical and cultural significance and may have potential for GI registration.
The meeting was led by Shri Dipen Subba, OSD, Commerce & Industries Department and General Secretary, SEED Cell, and commenced with a welcome address by Shri Tashi Ongdup Lepcha, Organisation Secretary, SEED Cell. The consultation focused on strengthening community participation in the identification, documentation, protection and promotion of Sikkim’s unique traditional products and cultural heritage.
The key areas discussed during the meeting included:
* Identification of traditional products with unique geographical and cultural significance.
* Understanding the benefits of GI registration, including protection and preservation of traditional knowledge, enhanced market recognition and economic opportunities for local communities.
* Documentation of products, including their origin, production methods, distinctive features and historical significance.
* Emphasising the importance of community participation and collective ownership in the GI registration process.
* Prioritisation of products with strong potential for GI registration.
* Strengthening coordination among government departments, communities, producers, artisans and other stakeholders for effective identification, documentation and registration.
The meeting brought together representatives from various ethnic and community organisations, including Shri Bikash Basnet, Joint Secretary, SEED Cell; Shri Santosh K. Rai, Secretary General, AKRS; Shri Avishek Rai, Executive Member, AKRS; Shri Ganesh Kr. Subba, General Secretary, SYSS; Dr. B.L. Khamdhak, Assistant Professor; Shri Raju Limboo, Vice President, SYSS; Ms. Indira Limboo, Treasurer, SYSS; Shri Adeep Tamang, General Secretary, STBA; Shri Indra Lall Tamang; Shri Dhanu Sherpa, Vice President, South DSA; Shri Sangay Sherpa, President, DSA; Shri Tashi Sherpa, Advisor, DSA; Shri Sonam Gyatso Sherpa, General Secretary, DSA; Shri Karma Tashi Bhutia, Working President, ASBA; Shri Rinchen D. Kaleon, Treasurer, ASBA; and Shri Zangpo Sherpa, District Joint Coordinator, Pakyong, SEED Cell.
The consultation served as an important platform for community-led identification and preservation of Sikkim’s traditional knowledge and indigenous products, while exploring avenues to secure their legal recognition and create greater economic opportunities for the communities associated with them.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the SEED Cell towards protecting Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage, promoting community ownership and strengthening the intellectual property ecosystem to ensure that the state’s unique traditional products receive wider recognition and market visibility.
A consultation meeting on Geographical Indication (GI) Tag registration with representatives of the ethnic communities of Sikkim was held at the SEED Cell Head Office, Gangtok, to identify and explore traditional products, practices, crafts and cultural assets that possess unique geographical and cultural significance and may have potential for GI registration.
The meeting was led by Shri Dipen Subba, OSD, Commerce & Industries Department and General Secretary, SEED Cell, and commenced with a welcome address by Shri Tashi Ongdup Lepcha, Organisation Secretary, SEED Cell. The consultation focused on strengthening community participation in the identification, documentation, protection and promotion of Sikkim’s unique traditional products and cultural heritage.
The key areas discussed during the meeting included:
* Identification of traditional products with unique geographical and cultural significance.
* Understanding the benefits of GI registration, including protection and preservation of traditional knowledge, enhanced market recognition and economic opportunities for local communities.
* Documentation of products, including their origin, production methods, distinctive features and historical significance.
* Emphasising the importance of community participation and collective ownership in the GI registration process.
* Prioritisation of products with strong potential for GI registration.
* Strengthening coordination among government departments, communities, producers, artisans and other stakeholders for effective identification, documentation and registration.
The meeting brought together representatives from various ethnic and community organisations, including Shri Bikash Basnet, Joint Secretary, SEED Cell; Shri Santosh K. Rai, Secretary General, AKRS; Shri Avishek Rai, Executive Member, AKRS; Shri Ganesh Kr. Subba, General Secretary, SYSS; Dr. B.L. Khamdhak, Assistant Professor; Shri Raju Limboo, Vice President, SYSS; Ms. Indira Limboo, Treasurer, SYSS; Shri Adeep Tamang, General Secretary, STBA; Shri Indra Lall Tamang; Shri Dhanu Sherpa, Vice President, South DSA; Shri Sangay Sherpa, President, DSA; Shri Tashi Sherpa, Advisor, DSA; Shri Sonam Gyatso Sherpa, General Secretary, DSA; Shri Karma Tashi Bhutia, Working President, ASBA; Shri Rinchen D. Kaleon, Treasurer, ASBA; and Shri Zangpo Sherpa, District Joint Coordinator, Pakyong, SEED Cell.
The consultation served as an important platform for community-led identification and preservation of Sikkim’s traditional knowledge and indigenous products, while exploring avenues to secure their legal recognition and create greater economic opportunities for the communities associated with them.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the SEED Cell towards protecting Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage, promoting community ownership and strengthening the intellectual property ecosystem to ensure that the state’s unique traditional products receive wider recognition and market visibility.
