North India Statesman
Lucknow, October 26, 2026: The Uttar Pradesh Small Industries Corporation (UPSIC) has proposed a new marketing initiative, ‘Shilpit’, to expand market access for One District One Product (ODOP) and One District One Cuisine (ODOC) products through retail outlets, e-commerce platforms and quick-commerce services.
The proposal was discussed at the Corporation’s 269th Board of Directors meeting and Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at Hotel Taj Mahal, Lucknow, under the chairmanship of Mr. Rakesh Garg. The Board granted in-principle approval to the initiative and directed the Corporation to undertake wide publicity and initiate further action.
The proposed scheme aims to leverage UPSIC’s experience in marketing products manufactured by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to create new sales opportunities for local entrepreneurs while developing an additional revenue stream for the Corporation.
Phased Rollout Planned
Under the proposed ‘Shilpit’ scheme, UPSIC plans to begin with a pilot phase involving two retail stores for marketing ODOP/ODOC products. The Corporation intends to establish warehouses in Lucknow and Kanpur in the initial phase, followed by Agra and Moradabad in subsequent phases.
Based on the operational experience and sales performance of the initial outlets, the Corporation plans to gradually expand its online and offline presence. Products will be supplied through its own online store, e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, and quick-commerce platforms including Blinkit and Zepto.
The selection of additional stores and warehouses will be guided by sales volumes. Product cataloguing, inventory management and stock levels will also be determined in accordance with market demand.
Franchise Model Also Envisaged
The initiative also envisages expanding ‘Shilpit’ through a franchise model. In addition to stores operated directly by UPSIC, private operators may be allowed to run Shilpit-branded outlets in the future. Products for these franchise stores will be supplied through the Corporation’s warehouses.
A key feature of the proposed scheme is its focus on reducing commercial risks for participating entrepreneurs. UPSIC has proposed making payments to entrepreneurs within one week, while unsold stock will be returned to them.
Focus on Market Access for Local Entrepreneurs
The initiative is intended to strengthen the marketing and distribution of products associated with Uttar Pradesh’s ODOP programme and other ODOC products by connecting local producers with a wider consumer base. Access to organised retail, online marketplaces and quick-commerce platforms could help participating enterprises explore new markets and improve their commercial reach.
The success of the scheme will depend on effective inventory management, competitive pricing, product quality, reliable logistics and the ability to generate sustained consumer demand across different sales channels.
The meeting was attended by Vice Chairman Natwar Goyal; Director Shishir, representing the Hon’ble Governor; UPSIC Managing Director Rohit Anand; Directors Rajiv Kumar Srivastava, Anil Kumar Singh and Yagnesh Singh; and other senior officials and representatives of the Corporation, including Financial Controller Pawan Kumar, Chief Engineer Prabhat Kumar Bajpai, A. K. Awasthi, Akash Saxena, Kawalpreet Singh, Abhishek Singh and EY consultant Aditya Tiwari.
With the Board’s in-principle approval, the proposed ‘Shilpit’ initiative is set to move towards the next stage of planning and implementation, subject to the Corporation’s subsequent decisions and operational arrangements.
