UP News: Yogi Govt Pushes Public Participation in ODOP CFCs Across Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government is widening public participation in ODOP's Common Facility Centres to benefit more artisans, weavers, and micro enterprises. The 90/10 subsidy model, training, design support, and marketing access aim to scale modern technology adoption across districts, improving livelihoods while addressing energy, material costs, and market access challenges.

The Uttar Pradesh government is intensifying efforts to strengthen traditional industries, handicrafts, weaving, and micro enterprises by expanding public participation in Common Facility Centres (CFCs) established under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme.

The government aims to ensure that these centres benefit a wider network of artisans, weavers, and micro entrepreneurs by providing access to modern technology, training, and marketing support, instead of remaining limited to a small group of beneficiaries.

A detailed review of 16 CFC projects operating across the state was conducted on Tuesday under the direction of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. During the review meeting, concern was expressed over the limited number of beneficiaries in some centres.

The Chief Minister stressed that the benefits of government schemes should reach a larger section of people and not remain confined to a few members. To achieve this objective, the CFC projects have been structured with up to 90 percent government subsidy and 10 percent contribution from entrepreneurs.

The initiative is aimed at enabling small entrepreneurs to access facilities such as modern machinery, design support, testing, skill training, and common tools. MSME, Khadi and Village Industries, Silk, Handloom and Textile Minister Rakesh Sachan directed officials to launch extensive awareness campaigns to increase public participation in the centres.

Officials were instructed to use mobile messaging, pamphlets, Industry Bandhu meetings, and media platforms to spread awareness about the facilities available at CFCs. Directions were also issued to display a "Citizen Charter" at every CFC to provide visitors with clear information regarding available services.

The meeting reviewed projects from districts including Ambedkar Nagar, Moradabad, Sambhal, Varanasi, Khurja, Agra, Meerut, Saharanpur, Bareilly, Ayodhya, and Ghaziabad. In Ambedkar Nagar, officials emphasized increasing the number of beneficiaries at the Weaver CFC, which was established with assistance of nearly Rs 4 crore, so that more weavers can benefit from modern facilities.

Similarly, discussions were held on expanding the outreach of the Banaras Silk Products CFC, which has received assistance of nearly Rs 9 crore. During the review, weavers and artisans raised concerns related to electricity supply, yarn costs, market competition, and technological upgradation.

Officials informed the meeting that the state government had continued the flat-rate electricity scheme for weavers for several years, under which electricity expenses worth nearly Rs 44 crore were borne by the government between 2006 and March 31, 2023. The government reiterated its commitment to helping artisans and craftsmen associated with traditional industries adopt modern technology and become self-reliant.

During the review of the engineering and tool room-based CFC in Ghaziabad, officials highlighted facilities such as CNC machines, 3D printing, material testing, and skill training. More than 500 youths have already been trained at the centre, while efforts are underway to explore opportunities for manufacturing defence sector components.

The review also focused on the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) plant in Moradabad, which was described as an example of environmentally friendly technology. Officials discussed measures to further improve its operational efficiency.

In Sambhal's button industry CFC, more than 70 percent capacity utilization was considered a positive sign, while emphasis was placed on improving the availability of raw materials and electricity. The Khurja Black Pottery CFC was presented as a successful model during the meeting.

More than 1,253 beneficiaries are associated with the project, and business turnover has reportedly increased from Rs 15-20 lakh to nearly Rs 90-95 lakh. Officials described it as a strong example of connecting traditional art with modern markets.

Artisans also demanded additional land for clay storage during the meeting. The Saharanpur Wood Craft, Agra Leather Cluster, and jaggery processing CFCs in Bareilly and Meerut were also reviewed.

Efforts made in the Meerut project to connect around 1,800 farmers and promote value addition received appreciation. Officials were further directed to organize Industry Bandhu meetings within CFC premises and strengthen coordination with large industrial units to help small enterprises gain access to bigger markets and supply chains.