The Uttar Pradesh government reviewed 16 Common Facility Centre (CFC) projects under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme on Tuesday, aiming to increase the number of artisans, weavers, and micro entrepreneurs. Officials stated that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had raised concerns that the benefits of several CFCs were reaching only a few individuals.
Government Subsidy and Entrepreneur Contribution
CFCs are being established with 90% government subsidy and 10% contribution from entrepreneurs, providing access to machinery, testing, design support, training, and tools. MSME and Handloom Minister Rakesh Sachan directed officials to increase awareness about these centres. Citizen charters will be displayed to list the services available.
Projects Reviewed Across Districts
Projects in Ambedkar Nagar, Moradabad, Sambhal, Varanasi, Khurja, Agra, Meerut, Saharanpur, Bareilly, Ayodhya, and Ghaziabad were reviewed. The Ambedkar Nagar weaver CFC, built with Rs 4 crore, will focus on increasing the number of weavers at the facility. At the Banaras Silk Products CFC, which received Rs 9 crore assistance, artisans raised issues related to electricity supply, yarn prices, market competition, and technology.
Electricity Scheme for Weavers
Officials noted that the state extended a flat-rate electricity scheme for weavers, bearing electricity expenses of nearly Rs 44 crore between 2006 and March 31, 2023. At the engineering and tool room CFC in Ghaziabad, facilities such as CNC machines, 3D printing, material testing, and skill training are available, with 500 youths already trained.
Progress in Moradabad, Sambhal, and Khurja
The Physical Vapor Deposition plant in Moradabad and the button industry CFC in Sambhal were reviewed, with officials reporting that over 70% of the facility’s capacity is being used. In Khurja, more than 1,253 beneficiaries were linked to the black pottery CFC, and turnover increased from Rs 15-20 lakh to nearly Rs 90-95 lakh. Artisans demanded land for clay storage.
Other CFCs Reviewed
The Saharanpur wood craft, Agra leather cluster, and jaggery processing CFCs in Bareilly and Meerut were also reviewed. The Meerut project has connected around 1,800 farmers. Officials were directed to hold Udyog Bandhu meetings on CFC premises and link small enterprises with larger industrial units and markets.
