27 States Advance PM Ekta Mall Projects to Boost ODOP, GI, Handicrafts Sector
New Delhi, July 29: In a major push to promote India’s diverse handicrafts and local products, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry has announced that 27 states have received approval to construct PM Ekta Malls across the country. These dedicated facilities aim to promote and sell One District One Product (ODOP), Geographical Indication (GI), and traditional handicrafts, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage.
The initiative follows the Union Budget 2023–24 announcement and is being implemented under Part-VI of the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023–24 (SASCI), administered by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. A total budget of ₹5,000 crore was earmarked for the creation of these Unity Malls.
Each state and Union Territory has been allocated funds to establish one PM Ekta Mall, with Uttar Pradesh receiving approval for three such malls due to its size. These malls are being set up on a first-come, first-served basis, primarily in state capitals, but with flexibility to be located in financial hubs or key tourism centers.
According to the Ministry, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) played a key role in recommending the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), following which the Department of Expenditure approved funding allocations.
Among the top allocations:
- Uttar Pradesh: ₹370.25 crore for Agra, Lucknow, and Varanasi
- Madhya Pradesh (Ujjain): ₹284 crore
- Assam (Guwahati): ₹226 crore
- Tamil Nadu (Chennai): ₹223 crore
- Bihar (Patna): ₹212.69 crore
- Maharashtra (Navi Mumbai): ₹195.14 crore
Smaller states such as Goa and Sikkim were allocated ₹100 crore and ₹106 crore, respectively. All land for the projects is being provided free of cost or at the expense of the respective state governments.
The Ministry emphasized that PM Ekta Malls will serve as dedicated platforms to give visibility to ODOP and GI-tagged products, enhance market linkages for artisans and farmers, and boost local economies through tourism and retail.
The announcement was made in a written reply by Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Jitin Prasada, in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
This initiative forms part of India’s broader strategy to empower artisans, create employment, and strengthen the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement as a pillar of Atmanirbhar Bharat, he added.
