New Delhi, Nov 15 (KNN) West Bengal has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) for “Banglar Rasogolla” (Bengal rasogolla).West Bengal’s Food Processing and Horticulture Department applied for GI registration in 2015 with the name ‘Banglar Rosogolla’ and submitted several documents to substantiate its origin in West Bengal.

Few years ago, Odisha claimed that the sweet was ‘invented in the state, associating it with centuries-old-ritual of Lord Jagannath but the state failed to apply for GI registration.

On receiving this award Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is in London, tweeted, “Sweet news for us all. We are very happy and proud that #Bengal has been granted GI ( Geographical Indication) status for Rosogolla.”

Chinnaraja G Naidu, assistant registrar of trademarks and GI said that West Bengal government applied for GI for ‘Banglar  Rosogolla’ in 2015 and the recently registration has been granted after expert committed closely reviewed the case.

Prashanth Kumar, senior examiner, GI, said the GI office had not received any application from Odisha, nor was there any objection, so there was no ruling against the state of Odisha.

A retired judge of Odisha High Court said that Orissa has option to appeal against the tag as per Section 31 of the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999 ‘any person aggrieved’ with the (GI) registrar’s decision can appeal against it and even if the appeal is rejected, the Odisha government can file a special leave petition (SLP) with the Supreme Court. (KNN/AG)