Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 28 August 2024
In a significant boost to the local economy and women’s empowerment, ten solar-enabled Smart Carts were recently inaugurated by Ms. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Rural Development. The event took place in the vicinity of the National Memorial Cellular Jail, a prominent tourist attraction in Port Blair.
These Smart Carts, supported under NABARD’s Physical Marketing Scheme and ANIIDCO’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, have been allocated to ten Self-Help Group (SHG) members. The innovative project aims to empower these women, providing them with the necessary infrastructure to market their products effectively in high-footfall areas.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by key officials, including Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Secretary of Rural Development and Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman District, Ms. Archana Singh, General Manager of NABARD, and Mr. Shiv Singh Meena, Director of Rural Development. The entire teams of NABARD and the Rural Development Department were also present to mark the occasion.
A&N Islands, renowned for their stunning tourist destinations, offer a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Among the major attractions are the National Memorial Cellular Jail and the limestone caves of Baratang. Additionally, the pristine beaches of Corbyn’s Cove, Mahua, and Wandoor, with their palm-fringed shores and clear aquamarine waters, continue to draw large crowds, especially at sunset.
Recognising the potential of these popular tourist hotspots, the administration has strategically decided to place the solar-enabled Smart Carts in these areas. These carts, equipped with modern features like mPOS (mobile Point of Sale) systems and bill printers, provide the SHG members with the tools they need to efficiently manage sales and transactions. The carts have been thoughtfully designed with cabinets for storing raw materials, shelves for displaying handicrafts, and provisions for gas cylinders. Fire-proof and water-proof materials were used in their fabrication to ensure durability and safety.
Ms. Paliwal commended the SHG members for their initiative in investing a ‘token’ amount in the project, a move that encourages ownership and responsibility. She also praised the collaborative efforts of NABARD, ANIRLM (Andaman & Nicobar Islands Rural Livelihood Mission), and ANIIDCO, whose joint initiatives have brought significant benefits to the SHG members across the Islands.
This project is seen as a model of synergy between various agencies, aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of local communities while promoting sustainable development in the A&N Islands.