Assam State is facing a serious threat to existence of its Gamosa, a traditional multipuropose towel, which holds a special place because of nefarious trade practices by some outside-the-State textile factories. It is expected that the GI registration certificate would prevent plagiarising of gamosa by such factories.

Mizanur Rahman, Additional Director of Handloom and Textiles said that they are trying to secure GI registration for Assam’s gamosa. We have been preparing to apply for the GI registration of this valued item of Assamese cultural heritage since August. The formal meeting of the technical officers of their Directorate was held for the purpose on August 15 last.

Assam is soon going to make a bid to get itself registered as an item having Geographical Indication (GI) – a form of Intellectual Property Right (IPR). The State Handloom and Textiles Directorate has initiated the process and engaged the Patent Information Centre (PIC) of the government-run Assam Science Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC) to take the required steps for the purpose.

He informed that the ASTEC PIC, which has the expertise in this respect, has been asked to collect all the information and prepare the documents required for the purpose. The Handloom and Textiles Directorate is also placing a request before the State government to provide the required funds in this connection.

It is estimated that the entire process of securing a GI registration certificate for gamosa would involve a cost of around Rs 1 lakh.

The Handloom and Textile Directorate has proposed that the GI registration should cover all varieties of gamosas like the phulam (embroidered), the anakata (the gamosa woven for some special rituals without effecting any cut), the tiyoni (the gamosa used while bathing) varieties, etc.

Gamosas produced in power looms are cheaper than the gamosas produced by the State weavers in their handlooms, and, have thus been affecting the State’s handloom sector.