Centre steps up support for Kolhapuri chappal artisans amid global attention

New Delhi, Aug 1: The iconic Kolhapuri chappal, a handcrafted leather footwear with deep cultural roots in Maharashtra and Karnataka, was granted Geographical Indication (GI) status in July 2019, the Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply today. The GI registration was filed by Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation Ltd (LIDCOM), a Government of Maharashtra undertaking, and Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd (LIDKAR), Bengaluru.

The process was facilitated by the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai.

The minister noted that the matter of supporting GI-tagged Kolhapuri artisans has been taken up by the concerned agencies. The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), he said, provides financial assistance for GI registration under the Research & Development component of the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP). Workshops and seminars are regularly conducted to educate artisans about the benefits of GI tags and how to register as authorised users.

The Kolhapuri chappal had recently drawn widespread attention after a French fashion designer showcased a strikingly similar design, sparking criticism on social media and concerns over cultural appropriation. The controversy rekindled public interest in protecting traditional Indian crafts and highlighted the need for stronger legal and commercial safeguards. To promote such crafts globally, the government also supports participation in international trade fairs, funds Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), and organizes design and capacity-building programmes. Digital onboarding and e-commerce support have also been introduced to expand the market reach of GI-tagged products like the Kolhapuri chappal, both within India and abroad.