Mannar, a major hub for metal crafts in the country, is known as the Bell Metal Town and is famous for its bell metal, brass and bronze handicrafts.
| Photo Credit: SURESH ALLEPPEY
Efforts to secure the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Mannar’s traditional metal crafts are making progress.
In a written reply to Kodikunnil Suresh, MP, Union Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Jitan Ram Manjhi informed that the GI Registry has scheduled a ‘Pre-Hearing’ in May 2025. “Ahead of the hearing, discussions will be held with local workers and organisations. I also plan to meet the Union MSME Minister for further discussions soon,” Mr. Suresh said.
Mannar, a major hub for metal crafts in the country, is known as the Bell Metal Town and is famous for its bell metal, brass and bronze handicrafts, including vessels, lamps, idols, bells and other utensils. According to the Union Ministry, the application for securing the GI tag was submitted by Mannar Metal Workers Industrial Co-operative Society Limited, Mannar Shilpa Kala Bell Metal Swayam Sahaya Sahakarana Sangham and Aranmula Heritage Handicrafts Producer Company Limited. The Union Ministry said that after the preliminary examination report was released in June 2023, the applicants submitted their reply in October 2024.
It is believed that the migration of artisans from Sankarankovil and Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu to Mannar centuries ago laid the foundation for the place’s emergence as a traditional metal crafts hub. Stakeholders said that securing GI tag would be a major boost to the sector.
The industry, despite facing challenges posed by mechanisation, provides direct employment to hundreds of workers. “GI tag will provide greater recognition for Mannar’s metal products, including brass items in the international market and ensure the growth of small-scale producers. GI status will enhance transparency, provide job security, and stabilise the income of artisans dependent on traditional metal crafts. It will also help protect the authenticity of Mannar brassware and prevent counterfeit products from entering the market,” Mr. Suresh said.
Citing rising production costs, shortage of skilled labour, competition from machine-made products and inadequate market support, Mr. Suresh urged the Centre to announce a special package that includes financial assistance, raw material subsidies and modern infrastructure to aid the traditional industry in Mannar.
He said that establishing a PM Vishwakarma Skill Centre in the region would help train artisans better, preserve traditional skills and integrate modern techniques.
Published – March 17, 2025 09:39 pm IST
