Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge said that the Italian luxury fashion brand ‘Prada’ was controversial over the controversy over the design of Kolhapuri chappals.
Targeting the Italian brand, he said that Prada Kolhapuri chappal is selling at the rate of Rs 1.2 lakh per pair.
Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge has supported Indian artisans and said that they should not go to the sidelines and if the famous fashion brands sell the products of these artisans, then the skills and legacy of the artisans should be recognized.
Priyank Kharge wrote in a post shared on social media on Sunday that ‘few people would know that a large number of artisans who make Kolhapuri chappals live in various areas of Athani, Nipani, Chikodi, Raibagh and Belagavi, Bagalkot and Dharwad in Karnataka. They have been making Kolhapuri chappals for generations and are selling them in nearby cities, especially in Kolhapur, which became their brand and market over time. ‘
Priyank Kharge recalled that when he was the Minister of Social Welfare, the Maharashtra government at that time pressurized Kolhapuri chappals to give GI tag. On which Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industry Development Corporation Limited opposed it and fought in favor of the artisans of Karnataka. Eventually success was achieved and four districts of Karnataka and Maharashtra were jointly given GI tag. It is not about the competition of two states but about preserving our shared heritage and was about giving legal recognition to our artisans, which they deserve. ‘
Kharge said that the Prada case is evidence that it is not enough to give a GI tag to a product, but the artisans should also be told the importance of cultural entrepreneurship. These artisans also need skills, branding, design innovation and access to the global market as well as investment. They are not only entitled to the credit, but they also have the right to earn livelihood in a respectable manner.
Priyank Kharge said that when international fashion houses adopt our designs, the names, work and heritage of our artisans should be displayed, not bypassing. He said, ‘GI tag gives him only legal rights. Now it is our responsibility to provide them a global platform.
