Indian Railways will patronise the newly launched ‘Aabhar’ online store that will showcase a range of exquisite gift items manufactured by indigenous tribes, handloom weavers.
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In a bid to promote local talent, the Indian Railways will patronise the newly launched ‘Aabhar’ online store that will showcase a range of exquisite gift items manufactured by indigenous tribes, handloom weavers and others coming under the ambit of One District One Product (ODOP) and Geographical Indication (GI) products.
The online store hosted by the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) sources gift items exclusively from the Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIE), Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), and various Central and State Handicraft and Handloom Emporiums.
Promoted with the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, the store would offer a variety of articles and hampers that could be used in official events, ceremonies, and functions. The objective is to promote social inclusion and encourage local artisans and traditional industries.
Promote rich heritage
Sharing details of the website and liaison officers to facilitate the purchase, the Railway Board referred to a note issued by the Chief Executive Officer, GeM, which stated that the purpose of the initiative was also to promote India’s rich heritage through handlooms, handicrafts, artisanal goods, etc., by providing market access to local artisans, rural entrepreneurs and women-led enterprises. The GeM is aimed at supporting a sustainable and inclusive economic development.
Besides the Railways, the GeM has urged other Ministries/ Departments and Public Sector Undertakings to purchase articles from Aabhar online store for gifting at official events, including honouring foreign dignitaries and employees at retirement functions.
To provide a market for local/ indigenous products and create additional income opportunities for the marginalised sections of society, the railways launched One Station One Product’ (OSOP) scheme over its network a few years ago where articles, including artefacts made by indigenous tribes, handlooms by local weavers, handicrafts like world famous wood carving, chikankari and zari-zardozi work on clothes etc were showcased.
Published – October 31, 2025 08:54 pm IST
