Vocal for Local: One Station One Product stalls at 95 stations of SR gains popularity

NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, MAY 16

Southern Railway had launched ‘One Station One Product’ (OSOP) scheme across various stations in its jurisdiction with the objectives to promote ‘Vocal for Local’ vision of the Government of India, provide a market for local/indigenous products and create additional income opportunities for the marginalised sections of society is gaining popularity among the passengers for over a year.

Union Rly Minister seeing the One Station One Product stall at the Chennai Central Rly station today 20th May pic.twitter.com/leY82KgHEb

— arunkumar rajagopal (@arunkumarnellai) May 20, 2022

• Objective is to promote ‘Vocal for Local’ vision, provide a market for local/indigenous products
• In Tamil Nadu, a total of 593 Artisans, Weavers, Craftsmen and members of marginalized sections are the beneficiaries under OSOP Scheme since inception

Under this scheme, OSOP outlets at railway stations were allotted for showcasing, selling and giving high visibility to indigenous/local products. The pilot scheme was started on 25.03.2022. As on 15.05.2023, there are 95 OSOP stalls in various Railway stations in the State of Tamil Nadu and 2 OSOP Stalls in the Union Territory of Puducherry (Annexure-A). These OSOP outlets are designed through National Institute for uniformity.

Product Features

The products showcased in ‘One Station One Product’ outlets are specific to that place and include artefacts made by indigenous tribes, handlooms by local weavers, handicrafts like world famous Kanchipuram silk sarees, Tanjore dolls, Kovilpatti peanut burfis (Kadalai Mittai), spices tea, coffee and other processed/semi processed food products indigenously grown in the area. Product categories, under this scheme, broadly include the following:

• Handicrafts/ Artefacts
• Textiles and Handlooms
• Traditional Garments
• Local agricultural produce (including Millets)/ Processed/semi processed foods.

Beneficiaries

In the state of Tamil Nadu, the OSOP scheme has provided business opportunities for 593 beneficiaries since inception.

The beneficiary desirous of running OSOP outlets should be a holder of Artisan/Weaver ID card issued by Development Commissioner Handicrafts, Development Commissioner Handloom, or by the requisite State/Central Government Authority or Individual artisans/weavers/craftsmen enrolled/registered with TRIFED/ NHDC/KVIC etc. or Self Help Groups registered with PMEGP or any eligible member of marginalized/ weaker sections of society.

Allotment of outlets

Keeping in mind the objective of this scheme, a transparent mechanism is being followed for allotment of outlets. An expression of interest is invited from interested artisan, weavers and other eligible persons. Selection is based on draw of lots by a committee formed at station level for this purpose. The eligible party (beneficiary) shall set up a stall at Railway station to sell local/indigenous products for 15 days, on payment of a nominal token fee remitted along with the application.

Annexure-A

List of railway stations with One Station One Product (OSOP) Stalls in the state of Tamil Nadu & Union Territory of Puducherry