On October 1, the Aajeevika Mart was inaugurated in Bhopal Haat by acting Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This state-level mart was established as a platform where products crafted by various self-help groups across different districts of Madhya Pradesh could be sold. The cost of this establishment was approximately Rs. 49 lakh and 34 thousand. Prior to the creation of this mart, rural markets were operational in every district. The non-profit organization, American India Foundation has contributed to the operation of the mart. Additionally, the Madhya Pradesh Stays Rural Livelihood Mission (MPSRLM) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) have also provided significant support.
“Didis have got the Central Market”
Pawan Kumar of the American India Foundation says,
“Products were already being made by self-help groups. There was a need to sell them and provide a market to the manufacturers… we have just provided this market.”
Kumar says that the products which till now were limited to the district. But, now they can be sold in the state capital without any middleman. Besides, this institution is also doing the work of branding these products.
How successful is Aajeevika Mart?
Upon our arrival on Wednesday afternoon, we were met with a distinctly chilly and lifeless ambiance. The mart was neatly organized with various products from Madhya Pradesh, each assigned to separate shelves. Other than Pawan, a solitary woman was at the reception desk. Their customer base, however, was noticeably absent. We attempted to engage with the mart operator on-site, but our efforts were met with silence.
Though the mart boasts an ample selection of goods, concerns arise regarding its actual benefit to the encompassing self-help groups.
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