The West Bengal unit of the BJP aims to obtain Geographical Indication (GI) tags for various traditional Bengali sweets that lack formal recognition. The party intends to elevate the status of these popular sweets nationally and internationally by seeking GI certification through the state government. Initiatives will be implemented in phases based on district-level data, expert advice, and research findings to ensure authenticity and intellectual property protection for these delicacies.
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a legal marker granted to products with unique qualities attributed to a specific geographic origin. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya highlighted Bengal’s rich tradition of sweets and the need to enhance the popularity of certain delicacies. Notable sweets like Malda’s ‘Kansat’ and Cooch Behar’s ‘Mohan Bhog’ are among the initial candidates for GI recognition, with plans to kick off the program focusing on these delicacies.
In addition to pursuing GI tags, the BJP envisions establishing ‘sweet hubs’ in districts to facilitate organized production, marketing, and export of these sweets. This strategic move aligns with the party’s commitment to preserving Bengali identity and promoting regional history, culture, and economic growth through traditional sweets. The initiative also aims to integrate language, culture, and tradition into political discourse, emphasizing the importance of both industrial development and the traditional sweet industry in Bengal.
The party will submit a formal proposal to the state government for selecting sweets, preparing necessary documentation, and initiating the application process. Collaborations with prominent sweet traders, food researchers, and experts specializing in traditional sweets are underway to enhance the visibility of Bengali sweets locally and globally. Observers note that the BJP’s focus on Bengali sweets transcends economics, carrying a significant cultural message alongside its economic objectives.
