Aabhar Online Store: Promoting Local Artisans and Heritage Products

Syllabus: Government e-Marketplace (UPSC Prelims)
Source: The Hindu

Context

In a move to promote local artisans, weavers, and traditional industries, the Indian Railways has announced support for the newly launched ‘Aabhar’ online store, hosted on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform. The initiative aligns with the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaigns.

About the ‘Aabhar’ Online Store

• The ‘Aabhar’ online store offers a curated range of gift items and hampers produced by indigenous artisans, handloom weavers, and traditional craftspersons under the One District One Product (ODOP) and Geographical Indication (GI) categories.
• Hosted on the GeM portal, the platform sources products exclusively from:
  • Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIE)
  • Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
  • Central and State Handicraft and Handloom Emporiums
• These items will be used in official functions, events, and ceremonies of the Indian Railways, ensuring a sustainable market for handmade products.
• The initiative seeks to preserve India’s cultural heritage while boosting livelihoods of artisans, rural entrepreneurs, and women-led enterprises.
• According to the GeM CEO, this step also promotes sustainable and inclusive economic growth by linking traditional craftsmanship with modern digital commerce.

Significance

• Promotes Social Inclusion: Expands market access for marginalised artisans and rural entrepreneurs, enhancing their income and visibility.
• Supports Traditional Industries: Encourages the production and sale of indigenous, handloom, and handicraft items across India.
• Complements Railway Initiatives: Aligns with the ‘One Station One Product (OSOP)’ scheme, which showcases local crafts and artefacts at railway stations.
• Strengthens ‘Vocal for Local’: Reinforces the vision of self-reliance and heritage-based economic growth, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.