PM Modi to Present GI Certificates for 21 Products in Varanasi Today
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Synopsis
On April 11, PM Narendra Modi visits Varanasi to distribute GI certificates for 21 Uttar Pradesh products, featuring local artisans. This event signifies a major recognition of traditional craftsmanship in the region.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi to distribute GI certificates for 21 products.
- 9 artisans from Varanasi among the recipients.
- Uttar Pradesh now has 77 GI-tagged products.
- Kashi supports 20 lakh people through GI products.
- Development projects include power infrastructure upgrades.
New Delhi, April 11 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit his parliamentary constituency Varanasi on Friday, where he will hand out Geographical Indication (GI) certificates for 21 recently registered products from Uttar Pradesh.
Among the 21 beneficiaries, nine are talented artisans and producers from Varanasi, highlighting the city's significance as a dynamic center of traditional artistry and cultural legacy.
Padma Shri awardee and GI specialist Rajni Kant, who has played a pivotal role in promoting GI registrations throughout India, shared his insights prior to the event.
"I am contributing in a small way to the advancement of GI in Banaras and across India," he stated.
"Since the GI Act was enacted in 2003, this marks the first instance in the nation where GI certificates will be presented for 21 products in a single event, especially by the Prime Minister," Kant remarked.
He pointed out that with these new additions, the total count of GI-certified products from Uttar Pradesh will rise to 77, establishing it as one of the leading states in India regarding GI recognition.
"This is a moment of pride. Kashi alone boasts 32 GI-certified products, benefiting around 20 lakh individuals and generating an annual revenue of approximately Rs 25,500 crore," he noted.
Stressing the national significance of the GI initiative, he added: "The journey that began in Kashi has now expanded to Arunachal Pradesh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands."
In addition to the GI ceremony, PM Modi's visit to Varanasi includes inaugurating a transit hostel at Police Lines, new police barracks in Ramnagar, four rural roads, and beautification efforts along Shastri Ghat and Samne Ghat.
Further urban development projects under the Railways and Varanasi Development Authority will also be unveiled.
A significant portion of the Rs 3,880 crore development initiative will concentrate on enhancing the city's power infrastructure, which includes the establishment of 15 new substations, the installation of transformers, and the laying of 1,500 km of new power lines.
