Department of Posts releases special cover on 3 GI products - Banaras Zardozi, Banaras Hand Block Print and Banaras Wood Carving

Department of Posts released three special covers along with cancellation on Geographical Indications (GI) products of Varanasi - Banaras Zardozi, Banaras hand block prints and Banaras wood carvings. It was released by Postmaster General of Varanasi Region, Mr. Krishna Kumar Yadav along with Mr. Bhaskar Khulbe, former advisor to the Prime Minister and Padma Shri Dr. Rajni Kanth, GI Expert, at Head Post Office, Varanasi on 23.05.2022.

On this occasion, Mr. Bhaskar Khulbe appreciated the initiative of Department of Posts for releasing special covers on GI products and said that it would give a new identity to the GI products at national & international level. Varanasi Postal Department is leading by issuing the maximum number of special covers on GI products across the country. Realizing the concept of 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat', GI products are able to build their branding globally as well national level and transforming the concept from 'Local' to 'Global'. GI products can be defined as 'Gifts from India' also. Mr. Khulbe said that GI products are being delivered directly from the producers to the consumers by postman through Postal Dept. The economy has also benefited greatly from this. The way Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi himself has taken the initiative to promote GI products, it is getting new identity from local to global form and also being vocal for local.

Postmaster General Mr. Krishna Kumar Yadav said that the GI products of Varanasi have a unique identity across the world and this art has been preserved by the artisans here for centuries. Varanasi Region has released 11 special covers on GI  related to Varanasi. Through these special covers, the traditional handicrafts, workmanship and culture of Banaras will be promoted in the country and abroad. Mr. Yadav said that special cover on 6 GI products related to Varanasi – Banaras Brocade and Sarees, Banaras Pink Minakari Craft, Varanasi Soft Stone Jali Work, Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware Toys, Banaras Metal Repose Craft and Varanasi Glass Beads has already been issued. Since the reach of the Department of Posts is universal, GI products will also reach door to door through this. While GI products are being sent abroad through International Business Center, now their dispatch is being made more smooth by setting up of Parcel Packaging Unit.

GI Expert Padma Shri Dr. Rajni Kanth said that Varanasi is having privilege to have 18 GI products out of 34 of Uttar Pradesh, with an annual turnover of about Rs 22,500 crore. Around 20 lakh artisans are associated with GI products in and around Varanasi. At present, 10 more products from Varanasi are in the process of getting GI tag. Efforts are on to get GI tag for agro products, horticulture products, special rice and sweets in the coming days.

On this occasion, Senior Superintendent of Post Office, Varanasi East Division Rajan, Superintendent of Post Office,  Senior Post Master CS Barua, Assistant Director Brijesh Sharma, Assistant Superintendent S.K. Chaudhary, Pankaj Srivastava, Suresh Chandra, RK Chauhan, Ajay Kumar.  Naresh Bara along with the artisans and experts related to GI products were present.

India Post gave new identity to GI products by issuing special covers- Bhaskar Khulbe, former advisor to the Prime Minister

GI products are reaching every corner of the country and the world  through Postal Dept. - Postmaster General KK Yadav

Varanasi is having privilege to have 18 GI products out of 34 of Uttar Pradesh - Padma Shri Rajinikant