OSOP scheme of the Southern Railways put on hold

Madurai, June 10 (KNN) The One Station One Product (OSOP) scheme earlier launched by the Madurai railway division has been put on hold in an effort to add more railway stations to the list.

The number of railway stations under the scheme have been increased from 30 to 90. Once the scheme is fully launched, each of these 90 stations would display the region’s specific items in the stalls.

The OSOP scheme aims at providing opportunities to local artisans, potters, weavers/ handloom etc. to make a living through their skills and provide them with sale outlets at railway stations across the country.

The ministry wants to launch the scheme in a big way and expects Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate it at 90 stations of Madurai division in September, as per media report.

It had invited Expression of Interest (EOI) for the thirty stations earlier. The list of items has been revised and Madurai junction can now display the famed Madurai Malli (jasmine), Jigarthanda and Sungudi sarees.

The railways had earlier shortlisted products like Chinnalapatti handloom sarees for Dindigul station apart from Dindigul lock. Pearls have been added along with macaroons for Tuticorin.

Under OSOP, holders of artisan/weaver identity card by Development Commissioners of Handicrafts, Development Commissioner Handloom or by the requisite state/central government authority can put up stalls.

Individual artisans, weavers, craftsmen enrolled/registered with TRIFED/NHDC/KVIC, self-help groups registered with PMEGP and marginalized or weaker sections of society can also apply for EOI to put up stalls of the items identified for each station for 15 days.  (KNN Bureau)