Lok Sabha Question No. 2463 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-06
Subject: Geographical Indication Tag for Butter Dosa
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2463.

TO BE ANSWERED ON TUESDAY, THE 06 TH  AUGUST, 2024.

## GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION TAG FOR BUTTER DOSA

## 2463.  DR. PRABHA MALLIKARJUN:

## Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state: वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री

- (a) whether the Government proposes to provide a Geographical Indication (GI) tag  for  Davanagere  Benne  Dose,  a  kin  to  the  recognition  given  to  Palani Panchamrutam and Bandar Laddu, if so, the details thereof and share with timeline for this;
- (b) whether it is a fact that the Davanagere Benne Dose, a specific type of butter dosa from Davanagere, has emerged as a major brand, creating 1000s of jobs and boosting the economy;
- (c) the details of steps taken by the Government to promote this cultural heritage;
- (d) the details of parameters are considered for granting a GI tag to Davanagere Benne Dose and whether it is a fact that this consideration been overlooked previously, if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the Government is aware that obtaining GI tag will preserve traditional methods and ingredients and unique identity of this Dosey, if so, the details thereof;
- (f) whether the Government is aware that a GI tag will stimulate the local economy, create jobs, promote culinary tourism and enhance Davanagere's prominence nationally & internationally; and
- (g) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री ( श्री णिणिन प्रसाद ) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

- (a): The Office of Geographical Indications Registry has not received application for registration of Davanagere Benne Dose as Geographical Indications, hence it is not registered.

Further, it is to be noted that the registration of Geographical Indications is not a voluntary act but a legal protection conferred under the framework of the GI Act and Rules. As per the legal frame work of GI Act & Rules, an application for registration of Geographical Indications has to be made before the Registrar of

Geographical Indications by the producer's association or any organization or authority established by or under any law for time being in force, representing the interest of producers of the concerned goods. The applicant has to comply with the necessary legal requirements mentioned  in the Geographical Indications  of  Goods  (Registration  &  Protection)  Act,  1999  &  Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Rules, 2002.

- (b) & (c) : Yes sir, Davanagere Benne Dose is very popular across the Karnataka. As it is prepared and sold across various districts of the state, besides Davangere, has made it a generic item. Hence, the uniqueness aspect, which is a prerequisite for  qualifying  as  a  Geographical  Indication  (GI)  Tag,  is  lost  as  it  is  being produced at several places and in no more unique to a specific region.

Having  become generic and prevalent across  the  state,  this  food  item  may certainly contribute to the economy.

- (d): The primary feature to qualify as a GI Tag for any product lies in its uniqueness, specific  to  a  particular  geographical  region,  process  of  production,  climatic condition,  water,  soil,  ingredients  being  used.  Besides  these  features,  the existence of ancient documented history and human skills being passed on to the generations.
- (e) to (g): Government is aware that obtaining GI tag will help to preserve the traditional methods and ingredients and unique identity of this Dosey.

However, the Geographical Indication refers to any indication that identifies the goods as originating from a particular place, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristics of the goods is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. The  goods  may  belong  to agricultural, natural or manufactured goods originating or manufactured in the territory of a country, or a  region  or  locality  in  that  territory  and  in  case  where  such  goods  are manufactured goods one of the activities of either the production, or processing or  preparation  of  the  goods  concerned  takes  place  in  such  territory,  region locality  as  the  case  be.  The  Registration  and  Protection  of  Geographical Indications in India is based on sui-generis legislation, Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

The  GI  tag  plays  a  vital  role  to  stimulate  the  local  economy  by  serving  as economic catalysts by creating jobs with the promotion of culinary, tourism etc. It   empowers local communities while preserving their rich cultural heritage. By providing legal protection and promoting these unique regional offerings, GI certification not only safeguards traditional knowledge and practices but also creates sustainable livelihood opportunities, thereby contributing to the country's socio-economic growth.

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