Lok Sabha Question No. 587 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-03
Subject: Intellectual Property Awareness
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Kanwar Singh Tanwar

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

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 587.

TO BE ANSWERED ON TUESDAY, THE 03 RD  FEBRUARY, 2026.

## INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AWARENESS

## 587.   SHRI KANWAR SINGH TANWAR:

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

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  considered  promoting  intellectual  property awareness and product branding support in Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh by providing  guidance  to  artisans,  entrepreneurs  and  local  producer  groups  in Amroha,  Joya,  Hasanpur,  Bachhrayun  and  Naugaon  Sadat,  so  that  the identification,  protection  and  promotion  of  unique  local  products  may  be strengthened;
- (b) if so, the details of efforts made by the Government in the said district under intellectual property facilitation, branding support, awareness programmes and guidance/handholding activities; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## 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) to (c): The  Government  has  undertaken  a  series  of  initiatives  aimed  at  creating intellectual property awareness across the country. Initiatives have also been taken to enhance the international visibility of Indian Geographical Indication (GI) products.
-  Nationwide IP awareness led by CIPAM: DPIIT, through its Cell for IPR Promotion  and  Management  (CIPAM),  has  been  running  nationwide campaigns  to  build  IPR  awareness,  including  Geographical  Indications (GIs). Since inception, CIPAM has conducted 473 awareness programmes for academic institutions, 406 for industry including MSMEs and Startups and  146  programmes  for  enforcement  agencies  and  the  judiciary.  IPR Chairs  have been established by DPIIT in 33 universities pan India which assist DPIIT  in  spreading  IPR  awareness,  and  imparting  IP  education. CIPAM's website and social  media handle on  twitter  &  facebook further disseminate information on IP laws, policies, and IP protection mechanisms, creating  a  strong  foundational  understanding  of  IP  across  stakeholders. Social  media  posts  reach  audiences  across  India  including  students, artisans, artists etc.
-  Targeted promotion and visibility of Indian GIs: Building  on  general awareness,  DPIIT  has  undertaken  extensive  GI-focused  promotional activities  to  enhance  domestic  and  global  visibility  of  our  GI  products. These include:
- a. incorporating  provisions  related  to GI  protection  and  recognition  into ongoing trade negotiations with other countries;
- b. participation of GI producers in international fairs such as Autumn Fair Birmingham and Bazaar Berlin;
- c. showcasing of GIs at diplomatic forums like GRATK treaty Diplomatic conference in Geneva, Switzerland;
- d. development of a digital GI catalogue carrying details about 419 GIs and wide dissemination thereof including  to Indian  Missions abroad; and
- e. wide-ranging  media  outreach  through  TV  campaigns,  social  media initiatives like 'Spot the GI,' inflight magazine features, collaborations with Outlook, National Geographic, MasterChef India, and promotions across airports and the Delhi Metro .

Last  year,  DPIIT  also  organized 'GI Samagam' in  January  2025,  bringing together policymakers, producers, artisans, industry leaders, and government stakeholders  to  deliberate  on  the  future  growth  and  development  of  the  GI ecosystem in India.

-  Growth in GI registrations as an outcome: These sustained awareness and  outreach  efforts  have  resulted  in  a  significant  increase  in  GI applications  and  registrations.  As  of  today,  more  than  724  GIs  stand registered in India, reflecting improved recognition of GI protection.
-  Registration and significance of Amroha  Dholak: Among  the registered  GIs  is Amroha Dholak from  Amroha  district,  Uttar  Pradesh, which  received  GI  registration  on  13  February  2023.  T h e  Amroha Dholak is a traditional percussion instrument handcrafted in the Amroha district  of  Uttar  Pradesh.  It  was  granted  a Geographical  Indication registration on 13 February 2023, recognizing its distinctive craftsmanship, superior sound quality, and deep- rooted cultural heritage. The GI status is expected to protect the interests of local artisans, prevent misuse of the name, and promote India's traditional musical instruments. Owing  to  this  rich  tradition  and  sustained  craftsmanship, the  Amroha Dholak has been designated as the One District One Product (ODOP) of  Amroha under  the  Uttar  Pradesh  government.  Amroha  is  a  major centre for the manufacture of Dholaks and Tablas, with around 300 small manufacturing units producing wood-based percussion instruments. This industry  provides  employment  to  over  1,000  artisans.  The  Dholak  is traditionally  played  either  with  hands  or  with  a  stick,  and  with  evolving social and cultural practices, the scope and popularity of this instrument have expanded significantly. Artisans primarily use mango and sheesham wood, carving them into hollow blocks of various sizes and shapes, which

are  then  fitted  with  animal  skin,  mostly  goatskin,  to  complete  the instrument.  The  finished  products  are  distributed  across  India  and exported to major international markets.

-  Complementary  role  of  NIPAM: DPIIT  also  implements  the  National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) through the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks. Since December 2021, NIPAM has conducted over 9,600 awareness programmes across  all  States  and  Union  Territories,  sensitizing  about 26.2 lakh students and faculty members on IP rights, including GIs. In Amroha district too, a program was conducted under NIPAM at Yogendra Nath  Saxena  College  of  pharmacy  and  Research  centre,  Amroha to sensitize  73  students  and  faculty  members  about  intellectual  property rights. Collectively, these initiatives have strengthened the IP ecosystem of India.
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