The University Grants Commission (UGC) operates under statutory provisions outlined primarily in the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. Here are some of the key statutory provisions governing the UGC:

• University Grants Commission Act, 1956: This is the primary legislation that established the UGC. It defines the roles, functions, powers, and responsibilities of the Commission. It also outlines the composition of the UGC, appointment procedures, and its authority to allocate funds to universities and colleges.

• UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2016: These regulations provide guidelines for institutions seeking the status of "Deemed to be University." They specify the criteria, application process, and conditions for granting this status.

• UGC (Minimum Standards of Instruction for the Grant of the First Degree through Non-formal/Distance Education) Regulations, 2017: These regulations specify the minimum standards for offering programs through distance education mode, ensuring quality education delivery.

• UGC (Open and Distance Learning) Regulations, 2017: These regulations govern the standards and norms for open and distance learning programs offered by universities and institutions in India.

• UGC (Establishment and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities) Regulations, 2003: These regulations outline the norms and standards for the establishment and functioning of private universities, ensuring quality education.

• UGC (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015: These regulations mandate higher educational institutions to establish mechanisms for preventing and addressing sexual harassment.

• UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012: These regulations aim to promote equity in higher education, focusing on providing opportunities to disadvantaged sections of society.

• Central Universities: Established by an Act of Parliament and are under the purview of the central government.
• State Universities: Established by state governments within their respective states.
• Deemed Universities: Granted the status of "Deemed to be University" by the University Grants Commission (UGC)
• Many colleges are affiliated with universities and offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The degrees awarded by these colleges are conferred by the affiliated university
• Some colleges have been granted autonomy by the University Grants Commission or the respective university. These colleges have the authority to design their curriculum and conduct examinations, and they award degrees on their own
• Certain institutes, like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and others designated as Institutes of National Importance, have the authority to award degrees
• Institutions like Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and others recognized by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) offer distance education programs and award degrees

The University Grants Commission (UGC) in India has a rich historical background that traces back to the pre-independence era and has evolved significantly over time:

Pre-Independence Era:

• 1920s-1940s: Before India gained independence, the idea of a body to oversee and promote higher education emerged. The need for such an institution was discussed during the 1920s and 1930s.

Post-Independence Formation:

• 1947: After India gained independence in 1947, discussions intensified regarding the establishment of a commission to oversee higher education and allocate funds to universities and colleges.
• 1950: The UGC was initially set up as an ad-hoc committee to oversee the allocation of grants to universities and colleges.
• 1956: The University Grants Commission Act was passed on December 28, 1956, establishing the UGC as a statutory body. This formalized its role in overseeing and promoting higher education.

Evolution and Functions:

• Early Years: Initially, the UGC focused on disbursing grants and fostering the development of universities and colleges.
• Expanding Role: Over time, the UGC's role expanded to encompass setting academic standards, promoting research, and advising the government on higher education policies.
• Regulatory Functions: It started playing a more regulatory role by formulating guidelines and regulations for various aspects of higher education.

Milestones and Amendments:

• 1960s-1970s: The UGC underwent amendments to accommodate changes in the higher education landscape and to enhance its effectiveness.
• Subsequent Decades: The UGC continued to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of higher education, introducing reforms, and addressing emerging challenges.

TEESTA TREATY

• The Teesta Treaty refers to a proposed water-sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh, focusing on the distribution of the Teesta River's waters. The Teesta River originates in the Indian state of Sikkim, flows through West Bengal, and then enters Bangladesh before merging with the Brahmaputra River
• The Teesta River is crucial for irrigation and agriculture in both India and Bangladesh. The proposed treaty aims to equitably share the river's waters, especially during the dry season when water scarcity is a significant issue
• Negotiations have been ongoing for several decades, with both countries recognizing the importance of a fair distribution to maintain agricultural productivity and support livelihoods
• The Teesta Treaty is seen as a critical component of bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh, with successful negotiations potentially strengthening ties and fostering greater cooperation in other areas

• The Teesta River is a lifeline for irrigation, particularly in the northern regions of West Bengal in India and the northwestern parts of Bangladesh. It supports the cultivation of crops such as rice, maize, and jute
• Millions of farmers and their families depend on the Teesta's waters for their livelihoods, making it a crucial resource for rural economies
• The river basin supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, contributing to the region's biodiversity
• Maintaining the flow of the Teesta is essential for sustaining the ecological balance of the region, including wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitats
• The Teesta River has significant potential for hydropower generation. India has several hydropower projects on the river, contributing to the region's energy needs
• Hydropower from the Teesta is a source of renewable energy, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change impacts
• The river's water is vital for agriculture, which is a key component of the economies of both West Bengal and Bangladesh
• The river supports local fisheries, providing an important source of food and income for local communities
• The Teesta River has cultural and historical significance for the communities living along its banks. It features in local folklore, traditions, and religious practices
• Historically, the Teesta has been part of important trade and travel routes, contributing to the cultural exchange and economic development of the region
• The Teesta River is a key factor in India-Bangladesh relations. The unresolved water-sharing dispute has significant geopolitical implications, influencing diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries

• If Teesta's water is shared with Bangladesh, it will severely impact hundreds of thousands of people in North Bengal.
• This is not the first time she has opposed the proposed water-sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh.
• There are 54 rivers flowing between the two countries, making river water sharing a significant bilateral issue.
• India and Bangladesh reached an agreement on sharing the Ganga's waters in 1996 after the Farakka Barrage was constructed.
• By the 2010s, the focus shifted to the Teesta's water-sharing. In 2011, during the United Progressive Alliance-II administration, India and Bangladesh were on the verge of signing a Teesta water-sharing agreement, but Ms. Banerjee withdrew her support, leaving the agreement pending since then

•  Bangladesh seeks a fair distribution of the Teesta's waters, especially during the dry season (December to March), when water scarcity is most acute
• Bangladesh has proposed that it should receive 50% of the Teesta's waters during the lean season to meet its agricultural and domestic water needs
• The Teesta River is vital for irrigation in northwestern Bangladesh, a region heavily dependent on agriculture. Adequate water supply is essential for crop cultivation, food security, and the livelihoods of millions of farmers
• Insufficient water flow from the Teesta severely impacts agricultural productivity, leading to economic challenges for the farming community
• Bangladesh emphasises the importance of maintaining the ecological balance of the Teesta River. Adequate water flow is necessary to sustain the river's biodiversity and prevent environmental degradation
•  Ensuring sufficient water flow can help mitigate the adverse effects of water scarcity, such as soil erosion, reduced groundwater recharge, and habitat loss
• Bangladesh highlights the need for India to honor previous water-sharing agreements, such as the 1996 Ganges Water Treaty, which set a precedent for cooperation
•  In 2011, a draft agreement proposed that India would receive 42.5% and Bangladesh 37.5% of the Teesta's waters. Bangladesh urges India to finalize this or a similar agreement to resolve the dispute

WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT 1972

 

 

 

 

1. Context

 

 

On December 18, 2024, the Supreme Court directed the Forest Department of Rajasthan to map on the ground and via satellite every ‘sacred grove’ in detail. They were to be identified irrespective of their size and based “solely on their purpose and their cultural and ecological significance to the local community”. After mapping, the court directed the department to classify them as ‘forests’ and notify them as ‘community reserves’ under the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) 1972

 

2. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 serves as a legal framework aimed at safeguarding various species of wild animals and plants, managing their habitats, and regulating and controlling trade in wildlife and wildlife products. It plays a crucial role in conservation efforts and biodiversity preservation in India.

Key Provisions

• The Act categorizes species into different schedules based on their conservation status, providing varying degrees of protection and monitoring by the government.
• India's accession to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was facilitated by the Wildlife Act.
• The Act now extends to Jammu and Kashmir following the reorganization act.

Constitutional Framework

• The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, transferred Forests and Protection of Wild Animals and Birds from the State to the Concurrent List.
• Article 51 A (g) mandates citizens to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests and wildlife.
• Article 48 A in the Directive Principles of State Policy emphasizes the state's duty to protect and improve the environment, safeguarding forests, and wildlife.

Schedules under the Act

• Schedule I: Encompasses endangered species requiring stringent protection, with severe penalties for violations. Hunting is prohibited except in cases of threat to human life or incurable disease.
• Schedule II: Includes species accorded high protection with trade prohibition.
• Schedule III & IV: Lists non-endangered species with hunting prohibition, but with lesser penalties compared to Schedules I and II.
• Schedule V: Contains vermin species that can be hunted, comprising Common Crows, Fruit Bats, Rats, and Mice.
• Schedule VI: Regulates the cultivation and trade of specified plants, requiring prior permission for cultivation, possession, sale, and transportation.

Examples of Protected Species

• Schedule I: Black Buck, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Asiatic Cheetah.
• Schedule II: Assamese Macaque, Himalayan Black Bear, Indian Cobra.
• Schedule III & IV: Chital (spotted deer), Bharal (blue sheep), Hyena, Sambhar (deer).
• Schedule V: Common Crows, Fruit Bats, Rats, Mice.
• Schedule VI: Beddomes’ cycad, Blue Vanda, Red Vanda, Kuth, Slipper orchids, Pitcher plant.

 

3. Initiatives and Challenges under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Initiatives for Wildlife Development

• Project Tiger Conservation Launched in 1973, Project Tiger aims to conserve the tiger population with ongoing support from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
• Project Elephant Established in 1992, Project Elephant focuses on the protection and conservation of elephants.
• Wildlife Corridors These corridors, connecting protected areas, facilitate the movement of wildlife. India is planning its first urban wildlife corridor between New Delhi and Haryana to ensure safe passage for animals like leopards.

Challenges in Implementation

• Despite the Act's existence for over 50 years, many are still unaware of wildlife conservation's significance and the associated laws.
• Increasing human populations and encroachment into wildlife habitats result in heightened conflicts, often leading to illegal killing of wildlife.
• Despite stringent laws, India faces a significant challenge from poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
• Inadequate coordination between the forest department and other agencies hampers effective enforcement of the Act.
• Existing penalties for wildlife crimes may not serve as sufficient deterrents due to their low fines and sentences.
• Local community involvement is essential for successful conservation efforts, but it's often lacking.
• Climate Change poses a significant threat to wildlife habitats, necessitating consideration within the Act to mitigate its impacts.

 

4. Reasons for passing a resolution

Demand to amend section on hunting

• Section 11 of the 1972 Act currently governs the regulation of hunting wild animals. Under clause (1)(A) of this section, the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) of a state is empowered to authorize the hunting or killing of a wild animal listed in Schedule I (mammals) if it is deemed dangerous to human life, or if it is disabled or terminally ill beyond recovery.
• The section further grants the CWLW the authority to order the killing of such an animal if attempts to tranquilize or relocate it prove unsuccessful.
• Kerala is proposing an amendment to Section 11(1)(A), seeking to transfer the aforementioned powers from the CWLW to the Chief Conservators of Forests (CCF). This amendment is aimed at streamlining the process for addressing wild animals that pose a threat to human safety, allowing for more prompt decision-making at a decentralized level.
• With five CCFs overseeing different regions of the state, Kerala believes that empowering them with these responsibilities would enhance efficiency and responsiveness in dealing with such situations.

Demand to declare wild boar as vermin

• Kerala is urging the Central Government to designate wild boar as vermin under Section 62 of the Wildlife Protection Act.
• This provision allows the Union Government to categorize any wild animal listed in Schedule II of the Act, which typically safeguards them from hunting, as vermin for a specified duration in a particular area or state.
• The declaration of an animal as vermin is warranted when it presents a significant threat to human life and agricultural crops.
• By attaining vermin status, wild boars would no longer be shielded from hunting regulations. This would empower both the state authorities and citizens to manage the wild boar population through culling measures, thereby safeguarding lives and livelihoods from the adverse impacts posed by this species.

 

5. Rising Tide of Human-Animal Conflict in Kerala

• Kerala is grappling with an intensifying crisis of human-animal conflict, which has surged in recent years, posing grave risks to both lives and the state's agriculture. The situation reached a critical juncture when a radio-collared wild elephant intruded into a village in Wayanad, chasing villagers and tragically resulting in a fatal trampling incident.
• Government statistics from the period of 2022-23 revealed a stark reality: there were 8,873 reported incidents of wild animal attacks, with wild elephants accounting for 4,193, wild boars for 1,524, tigers for 193, leopards for 244, and bison for 32.
• Among these attacks, 27 fatalities were attributed to elephant encounters. Additionally, between 2017 and 2023, 20,957 instances of crop damage were recorded due to raids by wild animals, claiming the lives of 1,559 domestic animals, predominantly cattle.
• Wild boars, notorious for ravaging farmlands, stand out as particularly problematic. Despite previous appeals to declare them as vermin being rejected by the Centre, Kerala took a proactive step in 2022 by empowering local self-governing bodies to deploy licensed shooters to address wild boar incursions into agricultural areas and human settlements.
• However, this measure proved insufficient due to a lack of licensed shooters in villages and cumbersome procedures involving the forest department following each killing.
• Consequently, the state is once again advocating for wild boars to be declared as vermin. Such a designation would grant villagers the authority to manage the menace independently, circumventing the bureaucratic hurdles that have hindered effective mitigation efforts thus far.

 

6. The Way Forward

 

Amending the Wildlife Protection Act to decentralize decision-making and declaring wild boar as vermin are crucial steps towards mitigating human-animal conflict in Kerala. These measures, coupled with proactive conservation initiatives, are essential for safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and biodiversity in the state.

 

 

For Prelims: World life Protection Act, Climate Change, human-Animal Conflict, Article 48 A, Article 51 A    For Mains:  1. Critically examine the effectiveness of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972, in addressing the increasing cases of human-animal conflict in India. (250 Words) 2. Discuss the potential economic benefits of ecotourism and sustainable wildlife management practices in India. (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions 1. If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication? (UPSC 2020) (a) A licence is required to cultivate that plant. (b) Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances. (c) It is a Genetically Modified crop plant. (d) Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem. Answer: A

Source: The Indian Express

 

SACRED GROOVES

 

 

1. Context

 

On December 18, 2024, the Supreme Court directed the Forest Department of Rajasthan to map on the ground and via satellite every ‘sacred grove’ in detail. They were to be identified irrespective of their size and based “solely on their purpose and their cultural and ecological significance to the local community”. After mapping, the court directed the department to classify them as ‘forests’ and notify them as ‘community reserves’ under the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) 1972

 

 

2. Sacred grooves and Community

 

• Sacred groves are forested areas protected and managed by local communities, deeply embedded in their cultural traditions and identities. These forests are safeguarded through customary laws and taboos, often prohibiting any form of resource extraction, except in limited cases such as collecting medicinal plants by designated custodians.
• Their conservation is closely tied to spiritual beliefs, with reverence for the deities and spirits associated with the groves playing a crucial role in their protection.
• India is home to an estimated 1–10 lakh sacred groves, the largest number globally. They are known by different regional names, such as ‘devara kadu’ in Karnataka, ‘devban’ in Himachal Pradesh, ‘kavu’ and ‘sarpa kavu’ in Kerala, ‘sarna’ in the Chota Nagpur Plateau, ‘devbani’ in Chhattisgarh, ‘jahera’ or ‘thakuramma’ in Odisha, ‘devgudi’ among the Muria, Madia, and Gond tribes of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, and ‘ki law lyngdoh’, ‘ki law kyntang’ or ‘ki law niam’ in Meghalaya. In Gujarat, they are referred to as ‘sabarkantha,’ ‘dahod,’ or ‘banaskantha,’ among others.
• These sacred spaces are often linked to temples, shrines, monasteries, and burial sites. Besides being centers of religious and cultural significance, they serve as repositories of medicinal plants and act as biodiversity hotspots. Many sacred groves also support perennial water sources, fostering the growth of unique and endemic plant and animal species.
• Rich in myths and legends, sacred groves are integral to the oral traditions of local communities, passed down through generations as part of their cultural heritage.
• Their conservation efforts have contributed to ecological stability by mitigating the effects of natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and droughts, while also preventing soil erosion. Additionally, anthropological studies highlight the positive impact of sacred groves on the mental and physical well-being of the communities that protect them

 

3. What are Community reserves?

 

• The 2002 amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) introduced a new category of Protected Areas called ‘community reserves,’ alongside ‘national parks’ and ‘sanctuaries.’
• Community reserves are designated on privately or communally owned land where local communities voluntarily commit to conserving habitats, safeguarding wildlife, and preserving traditional conservation practices.
• Under this framework, communities or individual landowners are responsible for preventing offenses outlined in the WLPA. They must assist authorities in apprehending violators, report any wild animal deaths, and take measures to control or extinguish fires.
• Offenses within a community reserve include damaging boundary markers, disturbing wildlife, improper disposal of waste, igniting or permitting fires, and using harmful chemicals that could threaten biodiversity.
• Additionally, any changes in land use within a community reserve require approval from both the reserve’s management committee and the State government. The Chief Wildlife Warden, under whose jurisdiction the reserve falls, has overarching authority over its management and conservation plan.
• The Supreme Court has also mandated that State governments establish a ‘Community Reserve Management Committee’ to oversee the conservation and protection of wildlife and habitats.
• This committee must comprise at least five members nominated by the gram panchayat (or the gram sabha in its absence), along with a representative from the Forest or Wildlife Department.
• If the reserve is located on private land, the committee will include the landowner, a representative from the Forest or Wildlife Department, and a member from the relevant Panchayat or tribal community.
• The chairperson elected to lead the committee will serve as the ‘Honorary Wildlife Warden’ of the reserve.
• Furthermore, the Supreme Court has advised the Union Environment Ministry to conduct a nationwide survey of sacred groves and formulate a policy for their governance and conservation

 

4. Forest department clash with FRA Provisions

 

• Had sacred groves been included under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), they would have been classified as ‘community forest resources.’ The FRA defines these resources as traditional common forest lands within a village’s customary boundaries, encompassing reserved forests, protected forests, and even protected areas like sanctuaries and national parks, provided the community has historically accessed them.
• In such a scenario, gram sabhas would have held statutory authority over the protection, regeneration, conservation, and management of these forest resources, including their wildlife, flora, and biodiversity. They would also have been responsible for preventing any activities that could damage their ecological or cultural heritage.
• To fulfill this role, gram sabhas would have been required to establish Community Forest Resource Management Committees to create and implement conservation plans, subject to the sabha’s approval. State governments, in turn, would have been obligated to provide necessary support for these initiatives.
• Currently, sacred groves located within forested areas are considered a part of community forest resources and thus fall under the jurisdiction of gram sabhas rather than the Forest or Wildlife Department. Sacred groves situated outside forest lands may also come under the FRA’s governance if they are officially designated as ‘forest land.’
• Ultimately, placing sacred groves under the category of community reserves managed by the Forest Department could create conflicts with local customs and the FRA’s approach. The FRA respects traditional governance systems by recognizing community forest resources, aligning with customary conservation practices rather than imposing external administrative control

 

5. Way Forward

 

A more inclusive approach that respects indigenous and local governance structures while ensuring ecological protection is essential. Strengthening the role of gram sabhas in managing sacred groves, with state support rather than direct control, would uphold both environmental sustainability and cultural heritage. Recognizing sacred groves as part of community forest resources under the FRA ensures their protection in a manner that aligns with traditional beliefs, reinforcing the idea that conservation is most effective when communities remain stewards of their own landscapes

 

 

 

For Prelims: World life Protection Act, Climate Change, human-Animal Conflict, Article 48 A, Article 51 A    For Mains:  1. Critically examine the effectiveness of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972, in addressing the increasing cases of human-animal conflict in India. (250 Words) 2. Discuss the potential economic benefits of ecotourism and sustainable wildlife management practices in India. (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions 1. If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication? (UPSC 2020) (a) A licence is required to cultivate that plant. (b) Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances. (c) It is a Genetically Modified crop plant. (d) Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem. Answer: A

Source: The Indian Express

 

PASHMINA

 

 

1. Context

 

Pashmina, often referred to as “soft gold,” has been a symbol of luxury and prestige since the Mughal era. This fabric holds significant cultural importance in Kashmir, where it is commonly used in ceremonial shawls and treasured heirlooms. Pashmina is associated with exceptional craftsmanship, representing the rich heritage of the region

 

2. Pashmina

 

• Pashmina, also known as cashmere wool, is renowned worldwide for its exceptional softness, warmth, and durability. The term is derived from pashmn, the undercoat of the Chyangra goat (Capra Hircus), which inhabits the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, typically around 12,000 feet.

• Due to its high thermal conductivity, Pashmina is a popular choice during the winter months, offering exceptional insulation and warmth.

• The tradition of creating Pashmina has been deeply rooted in Himalayan culture for centuries. Its hand-spun and handwoven nature adds a personal and historical touch to the fabric. Generations of families in the Himalayas have preserved this craft, ensuring the continuity of both their livelihoods and their cultural heritage.

• Crafting a Pashmina shawl is a lengthy process, involving stages such as hand-combing, spinning, weaving, and dyeing, which may take weeks or even months. The weaving is done on traditional handlooms and requires great skill. Depending on its complexity, producing a single Pashmina item can take anywhere from several months to even years.

• Kashmir's Pashmina has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing the unique, traditional techniques used by local artisans in the Kashmir Valley

3. Geographical Indication & Intellectual Property Right in Handicrafts (& Handlooms) Sector

 

• As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), India introduced the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999, which came into effect on 15th September 2003.

• A Geographical Indication (GI) is a label applied to products that are produced in a specific geographical location and possess distinct qualities or a reputation tied to that region. This label signifies the product's authenticity and distinctiveness, helping build consumer trust and awareness.

• Once a product receives the GI tag, no individual or company can sell a similar product using that name. The GI tag is valid for 10 years, after which it can be renewed. Additional benefits of GI registration include legal protection, prevention of unauthorized use, and enhanced export opportunities.

• In India, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is responsible for awarding GI tags. Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to be granted the GI tag.

• GI registration is granted to a specific geographical area rather than an individual trader. Once registered, traders dealing in the product can apply to use the GI logo. Authorized traders are assigned a unique GI number.

• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 allows for the registration of handicrafts and handlooms as GIs. According to Section 2(f) of the Act, "goods" encompass agricultural, natural, or manufactured products, as well as handicrafts and handlooms, including food items.

• Handicraft artisans and weavers can be recognized as Authorized Users for registered GIs, as per Section 7(3) and Section 17 of the Act

 

4. GI tagged Products from Jammu & Kashmir

 

 

Geographical Indication	Category
Kashmir Paper Mâché	Handicraft
Khatamband	Handicraft
Kani Shawl	Handicraft
Kashmir Sozni Art	Handicraft
Kashmiri Hand-Knotted Rugs	Handicraft
Kashmir Walnut Wood Carvings	Handicraft
Rajouri Chikri Woodcraft	Handicraft
Basohli Artwork	Handicraft
Ramban Anardana	Agricultural
Mushqbudji Rice	Agricultural
Kashmir Saffron	Agricultural

 

 

5. Other Important GI tags

 

• Tirupathi Laddu: A controversy emerged regarding the adulteration of ghee used in the preparation of laddoos at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Tirupathi Laddu, however, received the GI tag in 2009, which was renewed in 2018 and remains valid until 2028.

• Veena: The Thanjavur Veena became the first musical instrument in India to receive the GI tag.

• Majuli Masks: On March 4, 2024, the traditional Majuli masks from Assam were granted the GI tag by the government. Majuli, the world’s largest river island, known for its neo-Vaishnavite tradition, has a long history of mask-making dating back to the 16th century. These handmade masks are used to portray characters in bhaonas, theatrical performances carrying devotional messages introduced by saint Srimanta Sankardeva.

• Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree): The Rupa Tarakasi or silver filigree work from Cuttack, Odisha, received the GI tag last year. Cuttack is famous for its delicate and intricately designed silver filigree jewelry and artifacts. The technique involves transforming silver into fine wires or foils, which are then used for creating various items.

• Similipal Kai Chutney: A traditional chutney made with red weaver ants from Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, Similipal Kai chutney was awarded the GI tag in January 2024. These ants, found in the Similipal Biosphere, are believed to provide essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins.

• Koraput Kala Jeera Rice: Known as the ‘Prince of Rice’, the Koraput Kala Jeera Rice variety from the Koraput region is renowned for its distinct aroma, texture, taste, and nutritional benefits. The rice, preserved by tribal farmers for nearly 1,000 years, is named for its resemblance to cumin seeds. It helps boost hemoglobin levels and enhances metabolism.

• Kapdaganda Shawl: Handwoven and embroidered by women from the Dongria Kondh tribe in the Niyamgiri hills of Odisha, the Kapdaganda shawl reflects the rich cultural heritage of the tribe. This shawl received the GI tag in 2024.

• Odisha Khajuri Guda: Khajuri Guda, or jaggery from the Gajapati district in Odisha, is a traditional organic sweetener made from date palm trees. Known for its unique dark brown color and distinct taste, it was awarded the GI tag last year.

• Dhenkanal Magji: Dhenkanal Magji, a cheese-based sweet made from buffalo milk, received the GI tag last year. This sweet is distinguished by its unique appearance, taste, flavor, shape, size, and nutritional profile, setting it apart from other cheese-based sweets

 

For Prelims: Pashmina, GI tag   For Mains: GS II - Governance

 

 

Source: Indianexpress

 

MAKHANA

 

1. Context

 

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget on February 1, said that a “Makhana Board” will be set up in Bihar to boost the cultivation and marketing of fox nuts. The people engaged in Makhana cultivation will be organised in FPOs.

 

2. Makhana the black diamond

 

• Makhana, also known as fox nut in English, refers to the dried edible seeds of the prickly water lily or gorgon plant (Euryale ferox). This aquatic plant thrives in freshwater ponds across South and East Asia. It is easily recognizable by its large, round, and spiky leaves, which can grow over a meter in diameter, along with its distinctive violet and white flowers.

• The edible seeds of the makhana plant are small and round, with an outer shell that varies in color from black to brown. Due to their dark appearance and high value, they are often referred to as the "Black Diamond."

• Once processed, these seeds transform into light, popped snacks known as ‘lava’ and are widely consumed. Makhana is highly regarded for its nutritional value, being an excellent source of carbohydrates, protein, and essential minerals. Owing to its medicinal, health, and nutritional benefits, makhana is utilized in various forms

• Bihar is the largest producer of makhana in India, contributing nearly 90% of the total production. The cultivation is concentrated in nine districts in northern and eastern Bihar, namely:

  • Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, and Sitamarhi.

  Among these, the first four districts alone account for approximately 80% of Bihar’s total makhana production.

• Besides Bihar, makhana is also cultivated in smaller quantities in states such as Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Tripura, and Odisha. Outside India, it is grown in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan, and Korea

In 2022, ‘Mithila Makhana’ was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. A GI tag is a certification given to products that are uniquely associated with a specific geographic region and possess distinctive qualities or a strong reputation linked to that area. The GI tag remains valid for 10 years and can be renewed thereafter

 

 

3. Makhana Board

 

• The recent budget announcement regarding the creation of a Makhana Board in Bihar is a major development for farmers engaged in makhana cultivation. The Bihar government has long been urging the Central government to introduce measures to promote the crop. Additionally, the state has been advocating for the declaration of a minimum support price (MSP) for makhana.

• Despite being the largest producer of makhana in India, Bihar has struggled to capitalize on the growing market demand. Although the state contributes 90% of the country’s total production, the leading exporters of makhana are Punjab and Assam, with Punjab itself not even cultivating the crop.

• This challenge stems from Bihar’s underdeveloped food processing industry and lack of export infrastructure. One of the key obstacles is that none of Bihar’s airports have cargo handling facilities, limiting its ability to export. Moreover, low productivity in makhana farming remains a pressing concern, as the cultivation process is labor-intensive and difficult, resulting in high input costs.

• Another issue is the slow adoption of high-yielding makhana seed varieties developed by agricultural research institutes, such as Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1. Farmers have yet to widely embrace these improved varieties, which could potentially enhance productivity.

• The Makhana Board, with a budget of ₹100 crore, aims to train farmers to become export-focused, establish an ecosystem that attracts investment in food processing, and develop the necessary export infrastructure to boost Bihar’s makhana industry

Makhana (also known as Gorgon Nut or Foxnut) is an aquatic crop predominantly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. It is traditionally grown in stagnant water bodies such as ponds, lakes, wetlands, ditches, and land depressions where the water depth remains shallow, typically around 4 to 6 feet. The ideal conditions for makhana cultivation include a temperature range of 20-35°C, relative humidity between 50-90%, and annual rainfall ranging from 100 to 250 cm. These environmental factors support its optimal growth and productivity

 

 

4.One District One Product scheme & ‘One Station One Product’ scheme

 

• The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme is designed to promote equitable regional development across all districts in the country. The goal of this initiative is to identify, brand, and promote at least one unique product from each district, aiming to drive comprehensive socioeconomic growth throughout various regions.

• States and Union Territories (UTs) choose the products based on the local ecosystem and products already recognized as Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) or those with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The finalized list of these products is then submitted by the respective state and UT authorities to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

• The One Station One Product scheme seeks to provide opportunities for local artisans, potters, weavers, and craftsmen to earn a livelihood through their craft. It also aims to offer them platforms for selling their goods at railway stations across the country.

• This initiative also seeks to promote local handicrafts, handlooms, and regional food products that are unique to the areas surrounding the railway stations

 

 

For Prelims: Geographical Indication (GI) tag, Makhana   For Mains: GS II - Governance

 

Source: Indianexpress