Weavers seek to relax criterion for certifying genuine Kanjeevaram saree

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi appeared gung-ho about the potential of the textile sector in raising commerce in Varanasi, but for the weavers of Kancheepuram, one of the few to have a Geographical Indicator (GI) certification, it has been a mixed blessing.

“A huge global e-commerce market awaits our textile sector,” the PM said in Varanasi, even as Kanjeevaram saree weavers have petitioned the commerce ministry to intercede with the GI registry to relax some of the criterion for certifying a genuine Kanjeevaram saree for them to access newer markets.

A GI certification that the product possesses certain qualities, is made according to traditional methods, or enjoys a certain reputation, due to its geographical origin. According to top sources in the commerce ministry, the delegation of weavers felt that far from pushing sales, the GI had restricted their potential to expand business.