Amritsar, June 17 (K.L. Jit Walia): The Punjab Government’s Food Processing Department has convened an important meeting on June 19 at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Amritsar, to advance the process of obtaining a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag for the famous Amritsari Kulcha.
According to a letter issued by the Special Secretary of the Food Processing Department, Amritsari Kulcha is an integral part of Punjab’s unique culinary heritage. However, due to imitations being produced in different parts of the country, its original identity and the rights of artisans associated with it are being adversely affected. Therefore, the need to secure a GI Tag for Amritsari Kulcha has been strongly felt.
A GI Tag is a legal certification granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which protects products originating from a specific geographical region and possessing unique characteristics associated with that region.
To achieve this objective, a Coordination Committee will be formed comprising representatives from the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST), the Department of Food Technology, Guru Nanak Dev University, the District Administration, Amritsar, and the Food Processing Department.
The primary objective of the committee will be to facilitate the formation of an association of Amritsar-based Kulcha manufacturers. This association will serve as the eligible body to submit the application for obtaining the GI Tag.
The District Administration has appointed the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) as the nodal officer for organizing and coordinating the meeting.
The meeting is scheduled to be held on June 19 at 12:00 noon in the Committee Room of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. Officials from concerned departments and prominent Kulcha manufacturers are expected to participate.
The district administration has appealed to all leading Amritsari Kulcha makers to attend the meeting and contribute to this significant initiative aimed at preserving and promoting the authentic identity of Amritsari Kulcha.
KL JIT WALIA
