With an aim to boost the market presence of natively developed products in the state, the Uttar Pradesh government had launched an ingenious scheme called ‘One District, One Product’. In recent times, the state government has worked on a list of initiatives to propel this project further. Once again, in a bid to boost the ODOP market, the students of Abdul Kalam Technical University have been given the task to work towards upgrading and accelerating the project with the help of technology.
Initiative to mark participation from students of over 250 colleges
As a part of the latest enterprise, the students of AKTU would aid in facilitating the sale of innovative products on national and international platforms. The maiden exercise will also mark participation by students from more than 250 colleges recognised by the university. Additionally, Lucknow University in Uttar Pradesh will also be gifted with an incubation centre for supporting the entrepreneurial ventures under the ODOP project. The technological university has already entered into an agreement with the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises for implementing these plans.
According to the statements of the University spokesperson, it is proposed that a Hackathon will be organised to acquaint the students with the idea of ODOP and connect them to it. These engineering students shall help in rebranding the ‘Made in UP’ products under ODOP by combining them with technology, thereby preparing them for entry into the international markets.
Better entrepreneurial ecosystem & booming employment opportunities
The Vice-Chancellor of AKTU was quoted as saying, “The students of the university will also be sharing their ideas on the better management of products. With the promotion of the state’s products, the Prime Minister’s dream of a ‘Self-reliant’ India will also come true.” It has been said that the students would help in revamping the identity and brand image of these products.
The ODOP scheme covers a variety of products ranging from agricultural produce to commodities of handicraft and textile amongst other things. With an objective to attract the eyes of national and international buyers towards local products in Uttar Pradesh, the scheme attempts to improve the entrepreneurial ecosystem. If the market for these products grows, it will also be beneficial towards creating more employment opportunities for the state population.
