Lucknow: The government of Uttar Pradesh is strengthening its Common Facility Centre (CFC) network under the flagship One District One Product (ODOP) scheme to support traditional industries, handicrafts, weaving clusters, and micro enterprises.
The initiative aims to ensure that these centres do not remain limited to a few beneficiaries but instead benefit a larger number of artisans, weavers, and small entrepreneurs through modern technology, training, and marketing support.
A detailed review of 16 operational CFC projects was conducted recently, focusing on expanding their reach and impact across the state.
Focus on Inclusive Growth and 90% Government Subsidy
The state government is offering up to 90% financial assistance for setting up CFCs, with only 10% contribution required from entrepreneurs.
These centres are equipped to provide:
- Modern machinery and tools
- Design and product development support
- Testing and quality facilities
- Skill development training
- Marketing and branding assistance
Officials emphasized that the goal is to democratize access to infrastructure for small businesses and strengthen rural and urban industrial clusters.
Awareness Drive to Expand Outreach of CFC Projects
During the review meeting, Rakesh Sachan instructed officials to increase awareness about CFC facilities across the state.
He directed the launch of a large-scale outreach campaign using:
- Mobile messaging services
- Printed pamphlets
- Industry association meetings
- Media platforms
He also asked that “Citizen Charters” be displayed at all CFC centres to clearly inform beneficiaries about available services.
Review of Major Handicraft and Industrial Clusters
The meeting covered several key districts including Varanasi, Moradabad, Ambedkar Nagar, Sambhal, Khurja, Agra, Meerut, Saharanpur, Bareilly, and Ghaziabad.
Special focus was given to:
Varanasi Silk CFC Expansion
The silk-based CFC in Varanasi, developed with an investment of nearly ₹9 crore, is being expanded to reach a larger number of weavers and strengthen traditional silk production.
Ambedkar Nagar Weaving Cluster
Officials emphasized increasing beneficiary participation in the weaving-based CFC in Ambedkar Nagar to boost productivity and income.
Khurja Black Pottery Becomes Success Model
The CFC for black pottery in Khurja was highlighted as a major success story.
Key Outcomes
- Over 1,253 beneficiaries connected
- Business growth from ₹15–20 lakh to nearly ₹90–95 lakh
- Improved access to modern tools and markets
Officials described it as a strong example of how traditional crafts can be upgraded through modern infrastructure and government support.
Ghaziabad CFC Introduces High-Tech Manufacturing Training
The engineering and tool-room based CFC in Ghaziabad is offering advanced facilities including:
- CNC machines
- 3D printing technology
- Material testing labs
- Skill development programs
So far, over 500 youth have been trained, with potential expansion into defence component manufacturing being explored.
Artisans Raise Concerns on Costs and Market Challenges
During the review, artisans and weavers raised issues such as:
- High electricity tariffs
- Rising raw material costs
- Market competition
- Need for better technological upgrades
The government responded that electricity support schemes, including flat-rate power subsidies for weavers, have already been implemented to ease financial pressure.
Linking Small Industries to Larger Markets
The state government is now focusing on integrating small enterprises with larger industrial supply chains and export markets.
Officials have been directed to organize industry meetings within CFC campuses and establish stronger coordination with major industrial groups. The aim is to help local artisans and entrepreneurs access national and international markets, strengthening the overall MSME ecosystem.
About Uttar Pradesh ODOP Initiative
The ODOP-based Common Facility Centre initiative in Uttar Pradesh is designed to modernize traditional industries by providing shared infrastructure, advanced technology, and skill development support. The program focuses on empowering artisans, strengthening MSMEs, and promoting export-oriented growth across the state’s diverse craft and industrial clusters.
