Delhi is all set to launch PM Ekta Mall, an initiative to promote unique products from various states and union territories across India. The Centre has allocated Rs 5,000 crore to establish the Mall, also known as Unity Mall, in the 2023-24 Budget, officials said. The PM Ekta Mall aims to showcase local products and handicrafts, including items under the One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme.
The mall will be developed under the scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure, which provides funding to beneficiary states and union territories, with repayment over more than five decades, PTI reported.
What Will PM Ekta Mall Feature?
Officials said the proposed mall will feature dedicated spaces for specific ODOP items and other products representing different states and Union Territories.
The Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) has begun hiring an experienced consultant to prepare the mall’s architectural design.
The mall in Delhi is proposed to have 36 spaces for different states and UTs, where specific products, including GI-tagged items, would be available alongside ODOP and handicraft products, officials said.
Moreover, it will cover an area of 1,200 square metres and will include facilities such as recreational spaces for cultural activities, exhibitions, summits, conferences, and food courts, they added.
What About Location of the Mall?
A suitable location for the mall is currently being sought, according to a senior official from the Delhi government. Potential locations for the mall include areas where DTTDC facilities, such as Dilli Haat, already exist.
Locations like INA, Majnu Ka Tila, and Pitampura are under consideration, taking into account foot traffic and tourism potential, he said.
The Centre has already allocated funds to 27 states and Union Territories for establishing PM Ekta Malls. The respective states and Union Territories are responsible for providing the land needed to construct the Unity Mall.
The DTTDC aims to secure financial assistance from the Central government, and the selected consultant is expected to prepare a conceptual plan that meets all required approvals from concerned agencies. It will also help the DTTDC obtain financial grants and implement the project on the ground, officials said.
The government is likely to commit Rs 100 crore for the project, they said.
