Kolhapuri chappals to get QR certification to establish authenticity & identity

The humble Kolhapuri chappal one of Indias most iconic traditional crafts is enjoying renewed prominence not only in domestic fashion circles but also in international markets amid Italian brand Prada being accused of appropriating the footwearThe GItagged handmade flat leather sandals known for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage now carry an added layer of protection and authenticity in the form of QR codes thanks to recent technological and legal innovationsThe move aims to check counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan behind each product boost consumer trust and strengthen the market position of the traditional craftsmen officials from the governmentrun Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra LIDCOM saidRecently artisans cried foul after footwear similar to the Kolhapuri chappals featured in Italian luxury fashion brand Pradas new collection alleging violation of the GI Geographical Indication rightsFollowing the row Prada had acknowledged the sandals showcased in their mens 2026 fashion show were inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwearThe brand however clarified in a reply to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce that the showcased sandals are still at the design stage and not yet confirmed for commercial productionA team of experts from Prada visited Kolhapur earlier this month to interact with artisans and assess the local footwear manufacturing processDating back to the 12th century the footwear has been primarily crafted in Maharashtras Kolhapur Sangli and Solapur districts Its distinctive design made using naturally tanned leather and handwoven straps has been preserved through generations of artisansA major boost came in the early 20th century when visionary ruler Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj promoted it as a symbol of selfreliance and Swadeshi prideHe encouraged the use of these chappals helping elevate the rural craft into a respected cottage industryWhat was once a humble coarse village slipper soon became a symbol of swadeshi identity under the royal patronageTo safeguard this cultural legacy and ensure fair recognition for artisans the Maharashtra and Karnataka governments jointly secured the GI tag in 2019Under international trade rules such as the TRIPS agreement this GI status legally reserves the rights to manufacture and market Kolhapuri chappals to artisans from specific districts in both the statesThe certification defines the product as handmade using traditional techniques and natural leather with opentoe construction prohibiting the use of synthetic materials or mechanised processesGoing a step further the LIDCOM has introduced QRcoded certification for each pair of chappals the corporation said in a statementThis digital initiative aims to tackle counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan or selfhelp group behind each product it saidBuyers scanning the code can access details like name and location of the artisan or production unit district of manufacture in Maharashtra craft techniques and raw materials used validity and status of the GI certificationThis initiative not only boosts consumer trust but also strengthens the market position of traditional craftsmen the LIDCOM saidThe corporation is now calling upon consumers designers and the common public to stand in solidarity with Indias indigenous craft traditionsKolhapuri chappals are not just fashion accessories They are a powerful expression of traditional skill identity and the dignity of small artisan communities the statement quoted LIDCOM Managing Director Prerna Deshbhratar as sayingFounded in 1974 LIDCOM has been a pivotal institution in empowering rural leather artisans Through training programmes market development design innovation and economic support the organisation has transformed traditional footwearmaking into a symbol of Maharashtras cultural pride and grassroots economyKolhapuri chappals have now regained global spotlight blending heritage with modern relevanceMore than just the traditional footwear they are a symbol of skilled artisanry and indigenous prideSince 1974 LIDCOM also known as the Sant Rohidas Charmodyog and Charmakar Vikas Mahamandal has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting this heritage craft as per the statementThe corporation has empowered thousands of rural artisans by offering skill development training encouraging innovation expanding markets and ensuring sustainable livelihoods it saidOn the organisations vision Deshbhratar said Kolhapuri chappals are not merely utilitarian items They embody stories of selfreliance national pride and a living cultural tradition Through our efforts we aim to strengthen the hands that preserve this legacy and inspire generations to comeApart from economic uplift the corporation is also committed to cultural conservationIt continues to implement a wide range of initiatives from developing training centres and empowering selfhelp groups to building linkages between buyers and suppliers across domestic and international markets to ensure the traditional craft survives and thrives in a changing economic landscape the statement saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever