After Varanasi, Northern Railway’s Lucknow division rolls out ‘One Station One Product’ scheme across UP
After successful implementation of ‘One Station One Product’ pilot project for artisanal goods at Varanasi junction, the NR is gearing up to introduce the scheme to 11 more railway stations namely – Charbagh for chikankari, Unnao for leather, Sultanpur and Amethi for moonj products, Rae Bareli for wood craft, Pratapgarh for amla (Indian gooseberry) products, Ayodhya Cantt for jaggery, Jaunpur and Bhadohi for carpets and Barabanki for textile.
Firstly launched by South Central Railways with effect from this year’s budget, the main objective of the scheme is to make each railway station a promotional hub as well as showcase destination for a local product. The stations will act as a marketing channel in form of an earmarked stall through which the local item distinct to the particular region will be sold. The move came in the light of giving a major boost to local industries by providing enhanced livelihood and welfare of tribals, local artisans, potters, weavers or handloom weavers, etc.
Following the innovative trend to promote regional crafts, the Northern Division of Indian Railways also decided to execute the pilot phase of the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme in Uttar Pradesh from March 25 which is now extended to the other junctions famous for particular crafts.
As per Senior divisional commercial manager of Lucknow division, “Railway would charge a nominal amount of Rs 1,000 as token money to set up a stall for 15 days.Those who are willing to utilize this opportunity in order to expand their business can apply for the license of stall under lottery system at respective boxes kept at 11 stations.
According to the project plan, these artisans will be permitted to set up their stalls at the rail terminal and sell their handiwork to tourists, traveller and locals at the station. Reportedly, the scheme will provide better employment opportunities to local smiths, while crediting them with due acknowledgement of their unique skills.
If the scheme bodes well after seeking the public feedback collected by the designated officer appointed to monitor the activity of the stalls, it will be further implemented in a phased manner across India. The Railways will make all infrastructural and logistical arrangements to set up these stalls. It will also provide the vendor with any kind of support deemed necessary to smoothly run the operations of the stall.
