‘Vocal for Local’ drive
Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 27 Jun: Uttarakhand government has claimed that under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ and women empowerment, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s leadership is turning ideas into reality. The hills of Uttarakhand are witnessing not only a change in weather but also a transformation in the destiny of rural women. Women of the hills, through their skill, hard work and local produce, are becoming self-reliant while also winning the hearts of tourists visiting Uttarakhand. In a fresh initiative, Dehradun district administration and the REAP project have together created a new highway of livelihood for rural women, promising to double their pace of success.
It may be recalled here that the biggest challenge for self-help groups (SHGs) has often been the lack of a large market despite producing quality goods. To address this, Dehradun district administration has devised a modern solution by setting up dedicated ‘Hillans Outlets’ at busy petrol pumps where products made by rural women will be sold. A significant Memorandum of Understanding has been signed at the State level between the district administration and Indian Oil Corporation. This will directly benefit thousands of tourists and local consumers who stop to refuel, enabling them to purchase authentic hill products.
The first outlet is being launched in Doiwala. District Project Manager (REAP) Sonam Gupta informed that under the MoU with Indian Oil Corporation, the inaugural Hillans outlet will be opened at the IOC petrol pump near Fun and Food Kingdom Water Park in Doiwala. Expansion to other petrol pumps will follow in subsequent phases.
These outlets will showcase Uttarakhand’s pure and traditional products under one roof. Tourists and citizens will find mountain pulses such as gahat (horsegram), bhatt (black soybean) and tor pulse, pure spices and herbs, local dairy and food items, along with handicrafts crafted by rural women. For visitors to Dehradun, this initiative will offer a unique experience, allowing them to carry not just fuel but also the taste, aroma and culture of Uttarakhand as a memorable souvenir.
This is not merely the opening of shops but a new chapter in the dreams, self-reliance and economic freedom of thousands of women living in the villages of Uttarakhand.
