RAILWAYS : EASTERN RAILWAY’S ONE STATION ONE PRODUCT STALLS – CREATING GLOBAL MARKET FOR LOCAL PRODUCT : A NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR LOCAL ARTISANS & SMALL ENTREPRENEURS

TTT NEWS NETWORK

KOLKATA, 28 FEBRUARY 2024:

Ministry of Railways has launched ‘One Station One Product (OSOP)’ Scheme with objective to promote the ‘vocal for local’ vision of the Government of India, provide a market of local/ indigenous products and creates additional income opportunities for the marginalized section of the society. Fixed outlets/stalls or portable trolleys have been installed at the stations over Indian Railways for showcasing and selling indigenous products.

Eastern Railway has fabricated OSOP stalls at 298 stations so far, among which 100 are in Howrah Division, 143 in Sealdah Division, 27 in Asansol Division and 28 in Malda Division. Presently OSOP stalls are operating at 135 stations in four divisions of Eastern Railway viz. 30 in Howrah Division, 64 in Sealdah Division, 17 in Asansol Division and 24 in Malda Division. 163 OSOP stalls were also fabricated and will be operational shortly.

Key Objectives:

– Promote indigenous products through sale outlets at stations.

– Enable passengers to access and purchase local goods.

– Generate income opportunities for marginalized communities.

Scope and Guidelines:

– Fixed outlets/stalls or portable trolleys will showcase and sell indigenous products.

– Eligible products include handicrafts, textiles, traditional garments, and local agricultural produce.

– Priority given to Geographical Indication (GI) tagged items of local origin.

Plan of Action:

– Publicity through social media and advertisements.

– Displaying OSOP information at stations via e-posters and announcements.

– Sending supervisors to handicraft melas and fairs to engage directly with artisans.

Mr. 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”.