The Hindu : No takers for DWCRA bazar products

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 23, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

No takers for DWCRA bazar products

By Our Staff Reporter

The deserted DWCRA bazar at the municipal stadium complex in Vijayawada on Thursday.

VIJAYAWADA, JAN. 22. A deserted block of ten shops with shutters of eight of them closed located amidst unclean surroundings is what meets the eye when one visits the Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA) bazar at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium complex, launched amidst much hype on the busy stadium road.

While the objective was to mobilise DWCRA group members in villages to come out and market their home-made products in the city besides availing other benefits offered as part of the new concept, the move has apparently fizzled out even before taking off.

G. Latha of Saraswathi Group from Gollapudi village, sitting idle in one of the shops prefers to utilise the time in stitching an embroidery design on her sari. "Though we keep the shop open, we don't get customers," she says. The shop was handed over to her some three months ago but Latha has not been able to sell even the first instalment of her stocks so far.

She takes pride in her stall being the most attractive among all. "We call it Swagruha Super Bazar where people can buy anything from cosmetics to spices to pickles, all home-made and safe," she says enthusiastically but sobers down immediately at the mention of the cold response her shop has been receiving.

"Madams and Sirs want us to compete with modern supermarkets which, they say will also develop our marketing skills," she informs hoping that the scene would improve in the coming days. The rythu bazars, however, provide some solace to these DWCRA stalls by lifting unsold stocks of pickles, pulses, sugar, chilli power and papad.

T. Jayalakshmi of Venkata Sai Swayam Sahayula Sangham in Yanamalakudur village has a similar story. Her stall, set up a couple of months ago, offers saris and dress materials besides selling homemade pickles and eggs.

They stitch clothes but do not get many customers, as most of them prefer modern shops in upscale showrooms. The monthly rent of Rs. 500 per stall is a heavy burden on them but they do not mind the loss as the hope to make up in future keeps them going.

"The madam at the exhibition organised as part of the on-going Tourism Week celebrations, has assured us good marketing for the products. She says our products may even be exported to other countries," her eyes light up as she says innocently.

The officials may be working on elaborate plans to develop the bazar in future but at the moment it is being used as a dumping ground for waste, including used flags and banners by various political parties and organisations.

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