Bihar Industry Minister Dilip Jaiswal (right)
Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The ongoing Budget Session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly witnessed a light-hearted yet lively moment when the issue of securing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the famed Khobi Lai of Barh echoed through the House, adding a dose of sweetness to the proceedings.
The discussion was initiated by BJP MLA from Barh, Siyaram Singh, whose question soon turned the House into a battlefield of flavours, with legislators from various districts staking claims for their region’s traditional sweets. The exchange drew repeated bursts of laughter, especially following witty remarks by Industry Minister Dilip Jaiswal.
Raising the issue, Siyaram Singh said he was dissatisfied with the official reply on the GI tag for Khobi Lai. He informed the House that an application had been submitted to the GI Registry in Chennai on May 19, 2025, but was still under process. “I want to know how long this will take. I am not satisfied with the response given,” he said.
Replying to the query, Industry Minister Dilip Jaiswal clarified that the matter does not fall directly under his department. However, he explained that with the support of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour (Bhagalpur), the Barh Lai Producers’ Association had applied for the GI tag through the Agriculture Department. “The application is pending in Chennai. We will once again request the Agriculture Department to send a reminder. Once approval comes, the GI tag will be granted. After all, whenever we pass through Barh, we too relish Khobi Lai,” he remarked.
Jaiswal also listed several Bihar products that have already received GI tags, including Muzaffarpur’s Shahi Litchi, Banka’s Katarni rice, Bhagalpur’s Jardalu mango, Magahi paan, Silao khaja of Nalanda, Mithila makhana and Madhubani paintings.
The atmosphere turned even lighter when Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar jokingly remarked that an application had also been made for Gaya’s Tilkut. The comment sent the entire House into peals of laughter. Jaiswal quipped back that no such application had reached him yet, though he agreed that Gaya’s Tilkut is indeed famous. Veteran leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary added to the humour by observing that the Chair gives directions, not applications—prompting further laughter from leaders including Samrat Chaudhary.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha then pitched for granting a GI tag to Rasgulla from Barhiya in Lakhisarai. Pointing towards Jaiswal, he joked that while the minister enjoys both Barhiya’s Rasgulla and Barh’s Khobi Lai, he fails to make efforts for either. In a playful retort, Jaiswal said, “Vijay babu has never fed me that Rasgulla till date,” drawing another round of laughter.
Amid the banter, the RJD also joined in, with MLA Bhai Virendra asking whether efforts would be made to secure a GI tag for the famous Laddu of Maner.
Sensing the enthusiasm, Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha proposed organising an exhibition of these special sweets during a special session of the Assembly. The Speaker agreed and assured that arrangements would be made soon.
Concluding the discussion, Industry Minister Dilip Jaiswal said the government is committed to giving international recognition to Bihar’s traditional cuisines and urged MLAs to share details of their region’s specialties. “Whatever comes to me, I will taste it first and then move the process forward,” he said.
Overall, the sweetness of Bihar’s traditional delicacies made the Assembly’s mood equally sweet, with both the ruling party and the Opposition savouring the flavours—at least in spirit—long after the debate ended.
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