MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER
As Southern Railway implemented the One Station One Product Scheme (OSOP) in 94 stations across its six divisions as part of the pilot phase post-introduction of the scheme in the Finance Budget 2022-23.
The pilot phase of the scheme concluded on 09-03- 2023 and the scheme is to be launched on a full-scale basis expanding it to a total of 483 stations – with 133 stations in Chennai division, 95 in Madurai Division, 93 in Tiruchchirappalli division and 65, 56 and 41 in the divisions of Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad and Salem respectively.
All six divisions have invited Expressions of interest from the interested parties for full-scale implementation.
Pilot Phase:
As part of the pilot phase through the operation of One Station One Product outlets in 94 stations, a total sale of Rs 7.64 crores have been registered by local artisans,weavers craftsmen and members of self-help groups who operated these outlets. The total number of products that were part of this pilot phase falls were about 350 falling under wide categories such as agricultural products, dairy, food items, handicrafts, handloom, textiles, tribal products and homemade products, etc. Some of the popular products are Kanchipuram silk saree, Ranipet leather products, Thirubhuvanam sarees, Thanjavur paintings, etc.
Full-scale Proliferation:
After the successful implementation of the OSOP scheme, now southern Railway aims to launch the scheme on a full-scale basis in about 483 stations. During this phase, the OSOP fixed outlets will be set up based on the design made by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
One Station One Product Scheme:
One Station One Product – OSOP scheme was announced by the Hon’ble Finance Minister in the budget 2022-23. It is a scheme envisaged to popularise and encourage local businesses and supply chains. This scheme aims to provide the ‘Vocal for Local’ vision of the Government of India and provide a market for local/indigenous products. Also, the scheme provides an opportunity for railway passengers to experience the rich heritage of India besides creating additional income opportunities for the marginalised sections of the society, i.e., individuals at the bottom of the pyramid. P