INDIAN RAILWAYS’ ONE STATION ONE PRODUCT SCHEME – CREATING GLOBAL MARKET FOR LOCAL PRODUCT

INDIAN RAILWAYS’ ONE STATION ONE PRODUCT SCHEME – CREATING GLOBAL MARKET FOR LOCAL PRODUCT

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Faizul Shaikh ।। Journalist 

• *OSOP-A New Lease of Life for Local Artisans of West Bengal*

Kolkata, November 14, 2023

Ministry of Railways has launched the ‘One Station One Product’ (OSOP) scheme with objectives to promote the ‘Vocal for Local’ vision of the Government of India and provide a market for local or indigenous products which will create additional income opportunities for the marginalised sections of society, said an official statement on Monday.

Under the scheme, ‘One Station One Product’ outlets at railway stations are allotted for showcasing, selling and giving high visibility to indigenous /local products, the official statement added. These OSOP stalls are designed through National Design Institute for uniformity. Product categories, under this scheme, include Handicrafts/ Artefacts, Textiles and Handlooms, Traditional Garments and Local agricultural produce (including millet)/ Processed/semi-processed foods.

Over Indian Railways, total 39,847 direct beneficiaries have availed the opportunities being offered under this scheme up to 09.11.2023. Assuming indirect beneficiaries @5 per allotment, total beneficiaries work out to be 1,43,232. Total sales of ₹49.58 crores have been registered.

OSOP scheme certainly succeeded to provide enhanced livelihood and skill development opportunities to local artisans, potters, handloom weavers, and tribals and help local businesses and the supply chain of West Bengal across Eastern Railway.

The OSOP scheme, introduced in the Union Budget 2022-23, provides a platform for local artisans, weavers, craftsmen, and other skilled individuals to showcase and sell their products at railway stations across the country. The unique sale outlets, designed by the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, aim to give high visibility to indigenous and local products. The allotment of OSOP stalls is carried out through a tendering process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection. Applicants who align with the scheme's objectives are chosen on a rotation basis by draw of lots at the respective stations.

The OSOP stalls on Eastern Railway showcase a diverse range of indigenous and local products, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region. From the traditional Bengali Tant sarees to the exquisite, Handmade Jewellery, Jute Bags and Clay Idols and many other handmade items as well as merchandise from small industries. All these represent the skilled craftsmanship of Bengal. The initiative not only promotes economic growth but also preserves and upgrades the unique indigenous craft of the region. Presently 146 stalls are operating at 123 stations in four divisions of Eastern Railway viz. Howrah, Sealdah, Asansol, Malda. Eastern Railway is keen in promoting local handicrafts.

  The vision behind OSOP is to reach the bottom of the pyramid, providing opportunities to local artisans. To achieve this, Eastern Railway has undertaken extensive public outreach measures, including advertising in newspapers, social media campaigns, public announcements, press notifications, and personal visits to artisans.

Shri Kaushik Mitra, Chief Public Relation Officer, Eastern Railway said “Eastern Railway remains committed to fostering local talent and promoting the cultural wealth of the region through initiatives like OSOP. We invite passengers and visitors to experience the vibrancy of Bengal’s indigenous crafts & products and contribute to the success of this empowering scheme.