Once upon a time, several, several moons ago, there was an era when folks utilised to shop (for actual). You would stroll the markets, encounter the buzzing bylanes and appear for that saree or that style of sliver chaandbali. Shopping would imply channelising inner Buddha power and maintaining calm whilst haggling more than value or excellent deal. This was the usual way till coronavirus changed our lives forever. The pandemic forced most of us to remain property and buying primarily became a virtual exercising.
But what if you want greatest of Banarasi silks and that enchanting itra? While there are several on-line alternatives accessible correct now, there is normally a nagging doubt more than the authenticity of the item. So, in case you are hunting for that ‘just right’ present or some thing for your self, there is a unique site that will cater to all your handicraft desires. The UP government’s internet site has now began finding traction. While the site is nonetheless in its early stage, there are some special plans in offing. Such as connecting the buyers to the artist and purchasers figuring out about the backstory of every single item in their carts.
In an exclusive e mail interview, UP government’s Additional Chief Secretary Navneet Sehgal (MSME, Khadi and Village Industries and Information and Public Relations Department) told the TheSpuzz.com about the grand ‘ODOP’ initiative plans, which supports PM Narendra Modi’s ‘vocal for local’ vision.
Here are the edited excerpts:
Q: Tell us about the ‘One District One Product’ initiative.
A: Launched in 2018, the ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) is the flagship programme of the Uttar Pradesh government. The objective of the programme is to preserve, create and market neighborhood arts, crafts and conventional ability of communities spread across every single district of Uttar Pradesh. We not only present a platform but also give coaching to the artisans. For instance, the artisans of the old wood carving market of Saharanpur necessary coaching. Now beneath the ODOP scheme, we are supplying coaching facilities to them. This will not only strengthen the items, but will also lower the production time. Additionally, the programme aims to add to the earnings and neighborhood employment therefore, stopping migration due to lack of employment possibilities. We have additional revived the conventional clusters.
Q: What methods have govt taken to mainstream these artisans?
A: The state government following an in depth ground study has identified special items in just about every district through the launch of the programme. The MSME Department by means of its 3 ODOP schemes and by means of MOU partners is bringing the ODOP item aligned artisans beneath the ambit of the ODOP Programme. Furthermore, they are encouraged to onboard on crucial e-marketplaces like Amazon & Flipkart, by means of each, on-line & offline workshops (each are MOU partners of the ODOP Cell – The nodal body of the ODOP Programme)
Q: Please inform us about some industrial collaborations.
A: Apart from our site, we have joined forces with significant players in the retail marketplace that can give considerably-necessary exposure to our artisans. From Amazon to Flipkart, our items are accessible on these ecommerce web sites and we have got really encouraging responses. a Singapore-primarily based small business-to-small business platform Buy2SELL has written to us, expressing its intent to sell ODOP items on-line. The business which has B2B network in most of the nations in Asia and Europe, was rather impressed by ODOP and has asked for a detailed list of the items.
The World Bank also has evinced interest to create the ecosystem of 14 agricultural and meals processing items associated to ODOP with the aim of advertising entrepreneurship by means of integrated cluster improvement.
Q: Is govt providing any help in terms of funds and skill training to the artists?
A: Yes, for supporting the artisans under ODOP Programme, there are two schemes, Margin Money Scheme and Training/ Tool Kit Scheme.
The Money Margin Scheme is aimed at promoting self-employment among ODOP artisans/ workers by addressing access to finance issue – by lending margin money (ranging up to Rs20 lakh), through formal banking system. The incentive ranges from:
S.No Project Cost (Rs. In Lakhs) Margin Money Subsidy
- Up to 25 25% of the Project Cost or a maximum of Rs 6.25 lakh, whichever is less
2 . More than 25 to up to 50 20% the Project Cost or a maximum of Rs 6.25 lakh, whichever is high
- More than 50 to up to 150 10% of the Project Cost or a maximum of Rs 10 lakh, whichever is high
- More than 150 10% of the Project Cost or a maximum of Rs 20 lakh, whichever is less
Q: Can you please elaborate on the process of mapping the products on e-commerce websites?
A: The products were selected keeping in mind the regional specialisation, advanced skill set used in production and artisanal cluster intensity of a product in the districts. For example – In Varanasi one can find Silk product clusters that specialise in the unparalleled art of “Banarasi weaves”. In near future, we will also connect the local artists and the buyers via our website odopmart.com . For this, we are training the artisans.