ODOP scheme released with the hashtag “Nai Udaan, Nai Pehchan”

Lucknow: When the skill gets respect, the appreciation increases. This line applies exactly to the Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh. The figures also prove it. Two major schemes played the most important role in increasing the value of skills. ODOP (One District One Product) scheme released with the hashtag “Nai Udaan, Nai Pehchan” on the first Uttar Pradesh Day in the year 2018.

Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana was the second scheme to improve the skills of craftsmen associated with various products falling under its purview. Later, these successful schemes of Yogi government were not only appreciated by the central government but also implemented.

Apart from this, GI (Geographical Indication) of special products related to a particular place also played a big role in this. Of all the products of Uttar Pradesh which got GI during the tenure of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, almost all of them were ODOP of some district.

Most of the products which were declared ODOP by the government and got GI during this period were related to handicrafts. They also have the maximum share in the MSME sector.

MSME sector got life support from these schemes

All these together gave life to the MSME sector of the state government. The figures also prove it. Due to this, Uttar Pradesh was identified as a manufacturing hub. Through these, the state’s exports increased to Rs 2 lakh crore. It is noteworthy that out of the more than 50 products of Uttar Pradesh which got GI tag after 2014, all except about a dozen are from the handicraft sector. These include brocade sarees, pink meenakari, woodwork, metal repoussé craft, glass beads, wood carving, hand block print etc. from Banaras alone.

What is GI tagging and what are its benefits?

According to GI expert Padmashree Rajinikanth, the GI tag provides legal protection to an agricultural product found in an area. GI tag can curb unauthorized use of the product or products concerned. It increases the importance of products produced in a geographical area. GI tag is seen as a trademark in the international market. This promotes exports and also increases local income. By identifying specific products, it is easy to export and promote them in India as well as in the international market.