Why in the News?

The Indian Railway has established more than a thousand outlets in railway stations across the nation under its ‘One Station One Product’ (OSOP) initiative which aimed at providing a platform for skilled artisans to sell their indigenous products.

About One Station One Product’ (OSOP):

• The OSOP scheme is a unique initiative by the Indian Railways and aims to provide livelihood opportunities through skill development to local artisans, potters, weavers, and craftsmen.
• It was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23.
• The scheme, designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, provides distinctive outlets that give high visibility to indigenous products, benefiting local craftsmen.
• Railways allot the outlets at its stations through a tendering process.
• The scheme’s outreach measures include advertising, social media, public announcements, press notifications, and personal visits to artisans.
• The products at these outlets range from artifacts and handicrafts to textiles and traditional appliances, indigenous to the region, and are crafted by local artisans or tribals.
• They also include locally made or grown food products in processed or semi-processed forms.
• It provides uniquely designed sale outlets for locals to sell indigenous products, and is now operational at 1,037 stations nationwide.