ODOP and MSME schemes in Uttar Pradesh have given a new direction to the economic empowerment of the Tharu tribe. With branding, marketing and financial support, their traditional products are reaching global markets and new employment opportunities are increasing rapidly.
The new story of economic development in Uttar Pradesh is being written by the hands of those who till now were standing on the margins. The people of the Tharu tribe settled amidst the forests, who have been keeping the traditional craftsmanship alive for centuries, are now becoming participants in the dream of a trillion dollar economy of the state. Schemes like ODOP and MSME of the state government are not only strengthening the identity of these communities but are also giving them a new opportunity to take their skills to the market. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s thinking is clear, no development step is complete unless every community feels its participation.
Special emphasis on empowerment of tribal community in Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s focus is on the economic upliftment of the tribal communities of the state, especially the Tharu tribe. More than 350 self-help groups have been formed for the Tharu tribe in the state, through which people are being provided financial assistance for business and self-employment. An amount of up to Rs 1.50 lakh is being provided by the government to start small businesses, so that the people of Tharu community can become self-reliant and can make their traditional art a powerful medium of employment.
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Tharu tribe is becoming economically strong
Tharu tribe mainly resides in Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Balrampur, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri and Pilibhit. These people have special expertise in woodcraft and manufacturing products made from bamboo.
Forest and Development Related Value Chain Company is branding and marketing the products of Tharu artisans in Palia block of Lakhimpur Kheri. This effort has not only increased the accessibility of products but also developed economic confidence in the tribal community.
New direction for tribal community through ODOP scheme
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s important scheme One District One Product (ODOP) has played a big role in economically strengthening the traditional and deprived groups of the state.
- From 2018 till now, ODOP has provided employment to more than 3 crore people.
- Uttar Pradesh’s exports have increased from Rs 80,000 crore to more than Rs 1.56 lakh crore.
These achievements are directly benefiting the tribal community, who are now taking their traditional skills to global markets with the help of branding, financing and modern marketing. Manufacturing clusters, e-commerce platforms and digital marketing have given a new identity to the products of Tharu society, due to which employment opportunities are increasing rapidly at the rural level.
Increased employment opportunities from MSME
Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of MSME units in the country. Due to the efforts of Chief Minister Yogi, today more than 96 lakh small and medium industry units are providing employment in the state.
- More than 27,000 rural and semi-urban factories
- 6 employment zones in 19 districts in 11 priority areas
All these have given new impetus to economic activities. This structure of MSME is providing income and respectable employment opportunity to the weaker and marginalized sections.
Everyone’s participation, everyone’s development
The state government’s effort to integrate the Tharu tribe into the economic mainstream shows that development should not be limited to mere figures but should reach those communities who have remained unseen till now. ODOP and MSME policies have proved that if the direction and support is right, traditional skills can also become the backbone of the modern economy. The increasing participation of the tribal community gives the message that the goal of Uttar Pradesh’s one trillion dollar economy is not just the government’s but a common dream of every citizen.
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