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Thoughts on a ICD at Dappar and Navothan and Micro Enterprises

 

Chandigarh needs Dappar to evolve as Inland Container Depot with integrated Customs Clearance Facilities. It’s a loud thought but I just thought why not put into words. It’s just not Chandigarh but the area around Ambala, Baddi, Rajpura, Mohali etc. We have exporters of varying manufacturing goods, from the small scale to the medium scale industries. The nearest Container Depot with customs clearance is at Ludhiana, Dappar should be a good second site, even if a scale down from Ludhiana. It would be major boost to the industries in this belt.

Chandigarh has now evolved. Its Chandigarh, Dera Bassi, Panchkula, Mohali etc. The absence of a single administrative node is now obviously impacting developmental initiatives required to further growth and commercial activities. The states of HP, Pb, Hy and UT Chd need to coordinate on this issue. This would provide the required impetus.  

Secondly, the Airport is in dire need of cargo based flights, even if introduced on a pilot test phase basis. The warehousing etc introduced us good but will actually create an incentive for exporters if the cargo flights are introduced. And more international based flights are introduced, even if to nodes nearby. Else this region will continue to lead a somewhat stagnant or slow in upward trajectory progress status. This somehow does not seem to be on the priority list. But would facilitate both importers and exporters.

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Navothan and the Products

Dinesh K Kapila

Parijai Genus Pvt Ltd and Mool Srishtee Foundation organise an event, Navothan, every year. I am associated in a way with them for some time. These institutions are ably steered by Ms Ekta Gupta and they take a keen interest in sustainability, environmental issues, gender empowerment, self employment, customised plant gifting, vertical gardens, employment of women with development of art, plants, gardens and plantations etc. They are deeply networked with like minded stakeholders. Among their notable associates are Mrs Ritu Singal, Entrepreneur and Mrs Pooja Nayyar, Advocate. There are many more such good souls. And it adds vitality and commitment to their work.

The 2024 edition has focused on sustainable architecture, waste management, Rain water conservation, judicial over reach, paintings and posters etc. My focus was however on the micro enterprises present there with their products. Mostly under the NULM Banner.

I met Mukesh, the third generation from Patiala engaged in Punjabi juttis (traditional shoe ware) and I really liked his watching trends as they develop and adding wedges, pencil heels, providing additional comfort by more padding etc to the shoe ware or by adding metal artisanal products to latest shoe ware. It is attractive. He has fifteen artisans associated with him. All specialising in varied aspects. And the pricing is very consumer friendly (Rs 450/-onwards) yet financial viability is maintained. They have their own shop at Patiala. Then I met the Baba Nanak Group of SHGs from Banur, they have 300 women working from home but rather than focus on direct retail sales they route preferably them through Stores for bakery items, suits, bags, artificial jewellery etc. They engage in negotiations for placing their products and to get contracts, even if informal.

Again the viability aspect was assured to me and with great confidence by the Supervisor and Manager. I asked in varied ways but all told they assured me their products sell well and the financial viability is there.

And I simply liked immensely Crafts Empire, their workshop is at Rohtak and their office at Chandigarh and their focus is Handcrafted Artisan Products including soaps from donkey’s milk and bamboo products. It’s a wide range covering products from beauty care to combs, loofahs, towels, their by line is ‘Crafted with love, Delivered with luxury’ and that premium touch and feel is there. The buyers for premium products should try them. Their products are available on line on Amazon and Flipkart etc. Try googling them.

Coming back to the micro entrepreneurs, I asked about competition from on line stores focused on the basic income category but all the people I met, around six to seven, assured me that their products sell well and as of now they do not face any concerns on this front. This is encouraging to know.

I hope that Parijai Genus and their partner agencies associate deeper on this and provide appropriate hand holding, such as Mohit would need more opportunities at major and medium exhibitions and haats, the ladies of Banur and other districts on finishing of products and adding variety, maybe costing. But I liked the positivity and the vibes. I also purchased biscuits, as the lady said, you can’t simply ask questions and walk away, buy something !! For more information, contact Ms Ekta. +91 8727-004333

The number of Ms Ekta. Kindly encourage them by reaching out to them.


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