Southern Railway has set up ‘One Station One Product’ retail shops at 160 stations and These outlets feature approximately 940 diverse locally crafted products, creating extra income opportunities for local artisans, weavers, craftsmen, potters, and small-scale traders.
Chennai,22 August(City Times): To uphold the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, Southern Railway has set up ‘One Station One Product’ retail shops at 160 stations. These outlets feature approximately 940 diverse locally crafted products, creating extra income opportunities for local artisans, weavers, craftsmen, potters, and small-scale traders. These hardworking individuals have successfully sold a variety of items through these stalls, contributing an impressive revenue of Rs. 12.03 Crores.
Within Southern Railway, plans are underway to establish OSOP stalls at 423 railway stations. Currently, 160 stations have operational OSOP outlets, which surpasses the targeted 258 stations for the year 2023-24.
Some standout performers among these stalls include the Kancheepuram Silk Saree OSOP Stall at Dr MGR Chennai Central, which recorded the highest sales of Rs. 2.05 Crores. The Sungudi Saree OSOP Stall at Madurai Jn registered revenues of Rs. 81.18 lakhs, while the Siruvanthadu Silk OSOP stall at Villupuram garnered Rs. 25.01 lakhs.
Criteria for Beneficiaries
Individuals who wish to run OSOP outlets should hold an Artisan/Weaver ID card issued by Development Commissioner Handicrafts, Development Commissioner Handloom, or a relevant State/Central Government Authority. Alternatively, artisans, weavers, craftsmen enrolled/registered with TRIFED/NHDC/KVIC, or Self Help Groups registered with PMEGP, or eligible members of marginalized/weaker sections of society can also apply.
Transparent Allotment Process
The allocation of outlets follows a transparent approach. Interested artisans, weavers, and eligible individuals can express their interest. The selection process involves a draw of lots conducted by a committee formed at the station level. The chosen beneficiaries then establish stalls at railway stations to sell local/indigenous products for 15 days by remitting a nominal token fee along with their application.
Nominal Registration Fees
The primary aim of the OSOP scheme is to enhance the livelihoods of marginalized sections by providing them with additional income avenues. The usual duration of outlet allotment is 15 days, with a nominal registration fee of Rs. 1000/- (including GST) on a lump sum basis. However, for specific category stations, the registration fee can be reduced by Rs. 500 for 15 days, subject to factors like station footfall and stall viability.
Railway authorities have undertaken various outreach initiatives to benefit those at the grassroots level. These include advertising in newspapers, public announcements, press notifications, social media campaigns, and personal visits to artisans.
