• 728 Railway stations are covered with 785 One Station One Product outlets in 21 States and 3 Union Territories across the country
• OSOP stalls functioning at 21 stations in Karnataka
• OSOP stalls are promoting women empowerment, and encouraging local SHGs, and artisans.
• Objective is to promote ‘Vocal for Local’ vision, provide a market for local/indigenous products
Bengaluru, NFAPost: Ministry of Railways’ ‘One Station One Product’ (OSOP) to promote ‘Vocal for Local’ vision of the Government of India is gaining momentum under South Western Railways (SWR).
In Karnataka, 21 OSOP stalls are operational in various railway stations in Karnataka. ‘One Station One Product’ are specific to that place and include artefacts made by indigenous tribes, handlooms by local weavers, handicrafts etc.
The pilot of the scheme was started on 25.03.2022 and as on 01.05.2023, 728 stations are covered with 785 OSOP outlets in 21 States and 3 Union Territories across the country. For the sake of uniformity pan-India, the stalls are designed by National Institute of Design offering convenient storage space as well space for display/ showcasing of products.
According to SWR officials the OSOP provides a market for local/indigenous products and create additional income opportunities for the marginalised sections of society. Under the scheme, OSOP outlets at railway stations are allotted for showcasing, selling and giving high visibility to indigenous /local products.
Product categories, under this scheme, include the following:
1. Handicrafts/ Artefacts
2. Textiles and Handlooms
3. Traditional Garments
4. Local agricultural produce (including Millets)/ Processed/semi processed foods.
As part of the scheme, KSR Bengaluru the OSOP stall showcases Channapatna Toys, coconut products at Tumkuru, traditional cold-pressed oils at Arsikere station etc.
Siddharoodha Swamiji Hubballi Railway Station OSOP owner Rachappa Tambaralli, who runs Vedagiri Pharmaceuticals- an MSME based in Hubballi, stated that they have benefitted from this initiative of Ministry of Railways as more and more passengers, who belong to Karnataka as well other states are visiting their stall while boarding/de-boarding trains.
“This has helped them increase their sales and widen the customer base. Many customers are regularly purchasing their products (Ayurvedic oil – related to alleviation of joint pain, symptoms of cold etc), by placing orders on phone also,” said Rachappa Tambaralli.
At Belagavi station, OSOP has been allotted to Meenakshi Self-Help Group SHG, Chachadi village (Saundatti Taluk). Meenakshi of the SHG, said that this stall has helped the women entrepreneurs belonging to the SHG, come to the forefront and it has promoted women empowerment. She also praised the design of the stall which enables them to store and display home-made eatables in an easy manner.
Likewise, At Bengaluru Cantonment Station, OSOP has been allotted to Nagashree Y.R, Chintamani and Nagashree Y.R – who sells millets and organic honey, said felt proud to market her produce at Bengaluru, and expressed gratitude to Railways for supporting women entrepreneurs.
At KSR Bengaluru Railway Station, V Prakash of Balaji Handicrafts a cottage industry based in Bengaluru stated that they have benefited immensely from this initiative of Ministry of Railways as their product is being showcased in the busiest railway station of Karnataka.
“I am happy that Channapatna toys have become more and more popular among tourists visiting Bengaluru station now,” said V Prakash of Balaji Handicrafts.
At Davangere Railway Station, Sakamma of Akkanagamma Khadi Gramodyoga Kaigarika Mahila Mandali, Davanagere is selling Khadi textile, and at Subrahmanya Road Station Sri Dharmasthala Siri Gramodhyoga Samsthe is running OSOP stall to sell agricultural products and textile products. This scheme has especially helped rural women to be financially independent.
The objective behind OSOP stalls is to promote local entrepreneurship, Self-Help Groups, local artisans and local products in the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’.
