The Alipurduar district administration has taken up the onus to create options for women’s self-help groups ((SHGs) so that they can merchandise their products in new areas.

The decision has been taken following instructions by chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Mamata, at a number of administrative review meetings, asked the state government officials of different districts to put in efforts to augment earnings of the SHGs, which primarily comprise women.

The chief minister, in fact, asked her officers to explore avenues so that similar groups of men can be made.

“We have planned to develop spaces for the SHGs in popular tourist spots and transit points of our district where the SHGs can display and sell their products. We are making two kiosks at Madarihat and Rajabhatkhawa. From these kiosks, visitors can buy different items at cheaper prices,” said Surendra Kumar Meena, the district magistrate of Alipurduar.

While Madarihat is the main entry point to Jaldapara National Park, the largest rhino habitat of the state, Rajabhatkhawa is the entry point for tourists to the Buxa Tiger Reserve.

According to administrative sources, 23,000 SHGs in Alipurduar district have 2.50 lakh women as members. These groups make T-shirts, food items, soft toys, utensils from betel nut, honey, decorative materials and spices.

“So far, the SHGs had to depend on local wholesalers. We plan to find spaces for them in shopping complexes where they can put up stalls. In this manner, they can find new customers. It is a common trend of tourists to buy local items and we believe the kiosks will draw buyers,” said an official of the district administration.

Some products made by SHGs would be promoted through Experience Bengal, the state tourism department brand.

“Many tourists search for unique products. We will sit with the SHGs to shortlist some products that can be promoted through this brand,” the official added.

The administration has also made arrangements of the SHGs to display and sell their products at the ongoing “Duare Sarkar” camps.

“Many residents in the district are not aware of products made by the SHGs. The SHGs have been asked to display their products at the camps and we expect buyers,” said Meena.

Added to the stalls, a separate counter has been opened in these camps – over 1,600 such camps would be held in Alipurduar district throughout this month – where any resident can approach to know the details as to how to form a self-help group.

“Many people are coming with queries to the employees who are manning the counters,” the DM added.