Under the AVSAR scheme, the Airports Authority of India has initiated a program to support Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The program’s objective is to uplift local artisans, increase their visibility, and provide them with a platform to promote and sell their hand-made products in Chennai Airport’s domestic terminal for 15 days.
The pandemic has severely impacted these SHGs, hindering their operations, limiting their reach to customers due to reduced demand, and causing financial instability. To address this issue, the Chennai Airport launched the initiative last year, presenting a significant opportunity for SHGs to showcase their native products in prime airport spaces.
The airport’s official stated that interested SHGs can apply to the scheme using the AAI portal, which will forward the applications to the State nodal officer for processing. Under this initiative, SHGs will be allotted a designated space of 100-200 sq. ft. in the Security Hold Area of Chennai Airport’s Domestic Terminal, for a 15-day period, on a first-come, first-served basis.
This platform will enable SHGs to effectively promote and market their products to reach a wider audience, providing extensive visibility. So far, over 15 groups have utilized the initiative since its launch in 2020. Given the uniqueness and diversity of SHGs and their products, it is crucial to preserve and nurture them for the future. Providing ample opportunities to encourage the integration of these groups into the mainstream across all sectors is the need of the hour, as per the official from the Chennai Airport.
To apply for allotment at their respective airports, interested SHGs can submit their applications through the AAI portal: https://www.aai.aero/en/node/add/shg-user-detail/. The AVSAR scheme will offer much-needed support to SHGs and help them recover from the pandemic’s impact.
