Raipur: Exquisite and unique bell metal and traditional handicraft items of the tribal artisans of Bastar in Chhattisgarh have got the patent protection from the Hyderabad-based National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

"The NIFT has issued certificate of patent registration for both bell metal artefacts and handicrafts of Bastar. The certificate has been issued to the Chhattisgarh Handicraft Development Board, which applied for the patent," an official statement said Monday.

Chief Minister Raman Singh has described it as "a big achievement of the board to get the unique art of Bastar patented".

The tribal society of the state is famous for its excellence in making exotic handicrafts with a variety of designs and shapes. About 20,000 artisans' families are involved in Bastar handicrafts.

These handicrafts include wood-carvings, bell-metal items, terracotta items and bamboo items.

The central government had reached an agreement with the state government, Bastar district panchayat and artisans in December 2007 for setting up six rural business hubs (RBHs) at Kondagaon areas in the district for the promotion of handicrafts. IANS