Activist fumes as made in Bangladesh saree marketed as Banarasi

VARANASI: A noted Geographical Indicator (GI) activist has alleged that Bangladesh was making and selling sarees in the name of Kashi’s famed Banarasi saree in violation of Intellectual Property Right and GI rules.

“Banarasi saree is a GI registered product. It also comes under Intellectual Property of India. As per GI rules, the Banarasi saree can be weaved only in Varanasi and adjoining six districts. Weaving of Banarasi saree anywhere else is sheer violation of laws,” said activist Dr Rajnikant. Rajnikat, who has been instrumental in getting GI tag for Banarasi saree and a number of handicraft items of east UP, based his allegations on some newspaper reports of the neighbouring country and appealed to the centre to intervene into the matter.

“As per report carried out by a national daily of Bangladesh, a large number of locals in areas such as Rungapura, Gangachhara, Hanthipara, Saudhapura of Bangladesh are making Banarasi sarees. They sell the product as Banarasi sarees,” he said. He said Banarasi saree was famous across the world for its unique weaving and designs and such act would be a serious threat to local industry.

“Earlier, 8 lakh weavers were involved in the trade. But gradually their numbers declined. Now with Bangladesh making sarees in the same name will further dent the prospect of the local industry,” he alleged.