ROLE OF GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA
AUTHOR – PIYUSH KUMAR, STUDENT AT AMITY UNIVERSITY PATNA
BEST CITATION – PIYUSH KUMAR, ROLE OF GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (13) OF 2025, PG. 226-235, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
Abstract
Rural development lies at the core of India’s economic and social progress, with the majority of its population still residing in villages. Yet, true rural growth extends beyond roads and infrastructure—it means empowering communities to sustain livelihoods, preserve traditions, and participate in the modern economy with dignity. This paper explores the transformative role of Geographical Indications (GIs) as catalysts for inclusive and sustainable rural development in India. A GI is a special form of intellectual property that links a product to its specific geographical origin, reflecting its unique qualities, reputation, and traditional know-how. Through examples such as Darjeeling Tea, Kanchipuram Silk, and Pochampally Ikat, the paper highlights how GIs can elevate rural incomes, generate employment, and protect cultural identity. Drawing insights from Bhatia-Kalluri (2021), Nayak et al. (2010), and Abreu et al. (2021), it examines GIs not merely as legal protections but as tools for economic empowerment, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. The discussion also explores synergies between GIs, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Nayak, S. K., Thorat, S. B., & Kalyankar, N. V. (2010). Nayak, S. K., Thorat, S. B., & Kalyankar, N. V. (2010). and e-commerce platforms, which are expanding market reach and visibility for rural producers. Despite their potential, challenges such as low awareness, digital illiteracy, weak institutions, and uneven benefit distribution persist. The paper concludes that integrating GIs with digital empowerment, strong policy support, and participatory governance can help bridge the rural–urban divide and promote long-term, inclusive rural development across India.This paper explores the significance of GIs in enhancing rural entrepreneurship,employmentgeneration, and cultural preservation. By providing legal protection against unauthorized use, GIs help maintain product authenticity and improve competitiveness in domestic and global markets. Moreover, when combined with Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)ande-commerce platforms, GIs enable rural artisans and farmers to access wider markets and secure better returns for their craftsmanship. The study draws upon reports from WIPO, FAO, IFAD, and the Government of India, along with academic research by Das (2010)[1], Gangjee (2012), and Singh (2021), to highlight how GIs contribute to sustainable rural development.
[1] Nayak, S. K., Thorat, S. B., & Kalyankar, N. V. (2010).