Geographical Indication tag has been sought for Dindigul locks, which are unique to the areas around Dindigul.

P.Sanjai Gandhi, geographical indication attorney and additional government pleader, told presspersons here on Sunday that an application has been filed on behalf of Dindigul Lock Workers Industrial Co-operative Society under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999.

The application has been filed with the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai.

In his application, Mr.Gandhi has said that Dindigul lock manufacturing industry has a high brand image and the locks are known for their traditional design, safety, and quality. Padlocks, drawer locks, almirah locks, door locks, mango locks, trick locks, and excise locks are some of the locks manufactured in the area. The art of lock making is practised within around five km radius of the town . Dindigul locks are mango shaped iron and brass locks. They are handmade and each one is unique in design and system. The lock units are concentrated in Nagalnagar, Nallampatti, Kodaiparaipatti, Yagappanpatti, and Kamalapatti and are more than 100 years old. These units provide jobs to over 3,000 families. The entire process of lock making is based on craftsmen’s memory, who have been engaged in the business for generations .

The uniqueness of Dindigul locks are twin keys or three keys for a single lock and locks with multi-locking system. The precision lever mechanism of Dindigul lock is unique. The shackles are meticulously designed and are hard to break. . Sanjai Gandhi, who is also the president of Intellectual Property Attorney Association, said that the following societies have been declared as authorised users for Salem white dhotis under the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999: Ammapettai Silk Handloom Weavers Society, Salem Silk Handloom Weavers Society, Salem Sourashtra Silk Handloom Weavers Society, Supersilk Handloom Weavers Society, Soudeswari Silk Handloom Weavers Society, Salem Rajaganapathi Nagar Silk Weavers Co-operative Society and Puratchi Thalaivi Dr.J.Jayalalithaa Silk Handloom Women Co-operative Society.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> National> Tamil Nadu / by Special Correspondent / Thanjavur, February 04th, 2013