Port Blair, Mar. 8: In line with the vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to encourage and provide right opportunities to the talent of women, artisans and craftsmen, Airports Authority of India in collaboration with Andaman Nicobar Islands Rural Livelihoods Mission (ANIRLM) has allotted commercial space at the airport to Self Help Groups (SHGs) to sell/display their products under AVSAR initiative (Airport as Venue for Skilled Artisans of the Region).
The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri. Keshav Chandra, IAS today inaugurated the outlet (allotted commercial space) for SHGs of ANIRLM at Departure Security Hold Area of Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair in the presence of Ms. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (RD/Panchayat), Shri. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Secretary (RD/Panchayat), Shri. Devender Yadav, Airport Director, VSI Airport, Ms. Archana Singh, General Manager, NABARD, other Officers of A&N Administration and SHG members. The inauguration is a gift for the rural women attached with the SHG of the region on the occasion of International Women’s Day in line with the continuous effort of Government to create an environment to strengthen Self-Help Groups.
The Chief Secretary appreciated the efforts of Airports Authority of India, ANIRLM, SHGs and NABARD for coming together and providing platform for inclusive development and also wished grand success for the initiative.
Unless the dividends of development are shared fairly among individuals and social groups, development remains incomplete and lacks sustainability. Considering the Self-Help Groups being India's most powerful channel for inclusive development, the opportunity is being given to the SHGs of ANIRLM under the AVSAR initiative. Many such groups are excellent producers and manufacturers of local arts, crafts, useful and quality products with consumer demand and they need opportunities and space to showcase their products. This initiative of allocating space at airports will provide greater visibility to these small groups and equip them to market their products to a larger population.
The AVSAR Scheme aims to empower women attached with the SHGs in rural areas by providing them with a platform to showcase and sell various handmade products to a wider audience and enhance their livelihood opportunities. Under AVSAR Scheme, an outlet/stall of about 100-200 square feet is allocated to the SHGs preferably in departure area at each Airport for 15 days, turn by turn.
Nominations from the interested SHGs are being collected by the ANIRLM from all the Blocks who are willing to avail benefit under the scheme. At present, the operation of outlet has started through the SHGs of Prothrapur and Ferrargunj Blocks of South Andaman District and later will be extended to the SHGs of other Blocks. The ANIRLM has tie-up with NABARD to provide financial assistance to the SHGs under their Financial Inclusion Fund to pay nominal rent to the Airport Authority of India along with the courier/transportation charges for the products of the SHG members.