Modi Government Eyes 10,000 Geographical Indication Tags by 2030

Modi Government Eyes 10,000 Geographical Indication Tags by 2030. In a bold move to promote India’s rich cultural heritage and indigenous products, the Modi government has set an ambitious target to secure 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) tags by the year 2030. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to empower local artisans, boost rural economies, and position India as a global hub for unique and traditional products.
What Are GI Tags?
Geographical Indication (GI) tags are intellectual property rights that identify a product as originating from a specific place, where a given quality, reputation, or characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographic origin. Examples include Darjeeling tea, Banarasi sarees, Mysore sandalwood, and Alphonso mangoes. These tags not only protect the authenticity of traditional goods but also enhance their marketability both in India and abroad.
Why 10,000 GI Tags?
Currently, India has over 500 registered GI tags, with several hundred more in the pipeline. The goal to reach 10,000 by 2030 signals a dramatic scale-up of the government’s efforts to recognize and preserve the country’s diverse cultural assets.
According to officials from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the target aligns with the government’s vision of “Vocal for Local” and Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). It also reflects India’s commitment to promoting traditional knowledge systems and ensuring fair economic returns to local communities.
Strategic Focus Areas
To reach this target, the government plans to:
• Digitize and streamline the GI registration process for faster approvals.
• Collaborate with state governments, NGOs, and industry bodies to identify eligible products.
• Launch awareness campaigns to educate local producers and artisans about the benefits of GI protection.
• Promote GI-tagged products through international exhibitions, trade fairs, and e-commerce platforms.
The government also plans to include GI education in academic curriculums and provide legal aid to help smaller producers defend their rights.
Empowering Rural India
Experts believe this initiative could have a transformative impact on rural and tribal economies. Many GI-tagged products come from India’s most remote areas, where artisans often lack access to formal markets or recognition.
“Each GI tag represents not just a product, but a community, a culture, and a tradition,” said a senior DPIIT official. “By protecting and promoting these products, we’re giving communities the means to thrive economically while preserving their heritage.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite the enthusiasm, the journey to 10,000 GI tags will not be without hurdles. The process of documentation, verification, and legal scrutiny for GI registration is complex and time-consuming. There’s also a need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent counterfeiting and misuse of GI labels.
Moreover, experts warn that simply obtaining GI status is not enough. Without proper marketing, branding, and infrastructure support, the benefits may not trickle down to the grassroots level.
A Step Toward Cultural and Economic Sovereignty
India’s GI mission represents a confluence of culture, commerce, and community. As the world increasingly values authenticity and heritage, the Modi government’s push toward 10,000 GI tags could help carve a unique identity for Indian products in the global marketplace while uplifting millions of local artisans and producers in the process.
If successful, this initiative could redefine how India values, preserves, and profits from its centuries-old traditions.

In a bold move to promote India’s rich cultural heritage and indigenous products, the Modi government has set an ambitious target to secure 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) tags by the year 2030. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to empower local artisans, boost rural economies, and position India as a global hub for unique and traditional products.

What Are GI Tags?

Geographical Indication (GI) tags are intellectual property rights that identify a product as originating from a specific place, where a given quality, reputation, or characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographic origin. Examples include Darjeeling tea, Banarasi sarees, Mysore sandalwood, and Alphonso mangoes. These tags not only protect the authenticity of traditional goods but also enhance their marketability both in India and abroad.

Why 10,000 GI Tags?

Currently, India has over 500 registered GI tags, with several hundred more in the pipeline. The goal to reach 10,000 by 2030 signals a dramatic scale-up of the government’s efforts to recognize and preserve the country’s diverse cultural assets.

According to officials from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the target aligns with the government’s vision of “Vocal for Local” and Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). It also reflects India’s commitment to promoting traditional knowledge systems and ensuring fair economic returns to local communities.

Strategic Focus Areas

To reach this target, the government plans to:

• Digitize and streamline the GI registration process for faster approvals.

• Collaborate with state governments, NGOs, and industry bodies to identify eligible products.

• Launch awareness campaigns to educate local producers and artisans about the benefits of GI protection.

• Promote GI-tagged products through international exhibitions, trade fairs, and e-commerce platforms.

The government also plans to include GI education in academic curriculums and provide legal aid to help smaller producers defend their rights.

Empowering Rural India

Experts believe this initiative could have a transformative impact on rural and tribal economies. Many GI-tagged products come from India’s most remote areas, where artisans often lack access to formal markets or recognition.

“Each GI tag represents not just a product, but a community, a culture, and a tradition,” said a senior DPIIT official. “By protecting and promoting these products, we’re giving communities the means to thrive economically while preserving their heritage.”

Challenges Ahead

Despite the enthusiasm, the journey to 10,000 GI tags will not be without hurdles. The process of documentation, verification, and legal scrutiny for GI registration is complex and time-consuming. There’s also a need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent counterfeiting and misuse of GI labels.

Moreover, experts warn that simply obtaining GI status is not enough. Without proper marketing, branding, and infrastructure support, the benefits may not trickle down to the grassroots level.

A Step Toward Cultural and Economic Sovereignty

India’s GI mission represents a confluence of culture, commerce, and community. As the world increasingly values authenticity and heritage, the Modi government’s push toward 10,000 GI tags could help carve a unique identity for Indian products in the global marketplace while uplifting millions of local artisans and producers in the process.

If successful, this initiative could redefine how India values, preserves, and profits from its centuries-old traditions.