Centre Asks Odisha Govt To Initiate Action On Duplication of Sambalpuri Saree

BHUBANESWAR: The Union Ministry of Textiles has asked the Odisha government to take action against the duplication of GI registered ‘Sambalpuri Bandha Saree and Fabrics’ in the state.

The Ministry has asked to file FIR against the manufacturers, who are in the business of duplication of the saree.

The Textiles Ministry direction came in after a team visited the Bargarh district to inquire into a complaint of weavers’ association that duplicate Sambalpuri Bandha saree was being sold in the area.

“The printed sarees having the same Sambalpuri Bandha Sarees designs are being sold in Bargarh area at the cheapest rates so the sale of low-cost handloom ‘Sambalpuri Bandha Saree’ is affected,” said Development Commissioner (Handlooms) in a letter recently.

Besides, the weaving wages are also decreased by the master weavers about 10 to 25%, he added.

‘Sambalpuri Bandha Saree and Fabrics’ is a handloom product registered under the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Duplication of GI product is an offence under this Act.