Empowering Local Industries: Ministry of Railways Launches ‘One Station One Product’ Scheme Across 728 Railway Stations Nationwide
The product categories covered under the OSOP scheme include handicrafts/artifacts, textiles and handlooms, traditional garments, and local agricultural produce
New Delhi, 12th May 2023 – The Ministry of Railways has launched the ‘One Station One Product’ (OSOP) scheme across the Indian Railways network with the aim of promoting the ‘Vocal for Local’ vision of the Government of India. The scheme seeks to provide a market for local and indigenous products while creating additional income opportunities for marginalized sections of society.
Under the scheme, designated OSOP outlets have been established at railway stations across the country to showcase, sell, and give high visibility to indigenous and local products. As of 1st May 2023, a total of 728 railway stations in 21 states and 3 union territories are covered by 785 OSOP outlets. These outlets are designed for uniformity through the National Design Institute. Since the pilot launch of the scheme on 25th March 2022, it has benefited a cumulative total of 25,109 individuals.
The products available at OSOP outlets are specific to the regions where the stations are located. They include a diverse range of items such as artifacts made by indigenous tribes, handlooms by local weavers, handicrafts like wood carving, chikankari embroidery, and zari-zardozi work on clothing. Additionally, various locally grown food products like spices, tea, coffee, and processed/semi-processed foods are also offered. Each region showcases its unique specialties. For instance, in the North East region of India, OSOP stalls offer varieties of Assamese Pitha, Traditional Rajbongshi Dress, Jhapi, local textiles, and jute products. In Jammu & Kashmir, visitors can find Kashmiri Girda, Kashmiri Kahwa, and Dry Fruits. South India showcases cashew products, spices, Chinnalapatti Handloom Sarees, and more. In the western part of the country, OSOP stalls offer embroidery and zari-zardozi products, coconut halva, locally grown fruits, processed foods, and Bandhani textiles.
The product categories covered under the OSOP scheme include handicrafts/artifacts, textiles and handlooms, traditional garments, and local agricultural produce (including millets) as well as processed/semi-processed foods.
The implementation of OSOP outlets has created a platform to support local artisans and producers, enabling them to gain wider recognition and access to a larger market. It aligns with the government’s vision of promoting local entrepreneurship and self-reliance. By encouraging passengers to choose local products, the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme contributes to the development of local economies and empowers marginalized communities.
The OSOP scheme has received positive responses from both passengers and local communities. It not only offers a diverse range of unique products but also helps preserve traditional arts and crafts, promoting cultural heritage. The Ministry of Railways is committed to expanding the OSOP scheme further, ensuring the availability of local products to a larger audience and strengthening the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement across the country.
