MANGALORE: The permanent sales outlet (Nirantara Marata Ghataka) of Sthree Shakti groups in Kottara, is one of its kind. The reason which makes the stall unique is that it is situated in Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Office. The Nirantara Marata ghataka, which displays and sells the products of Sthree shakti groups, welcomes you at the entrance of the Zilla Panchayat building in the ground floor.
From bindis to dress items, one has a variety of options to choose, said Sharmila Deralakatte, the sales staff. The wide range of items include soaps, herbal oils, honey, paper bags, cloth bags, dolls, processed food like papad, sambar powder, bakery items – all produced by various sthree shakthi groups in the district, available at a reasonable cost.
Also, the artifacts and dolls prepared by the inmates of the rehabilitation unit for visually / physically challenged at Mobility Training Centre for the Blind, in Attavar are kept for sale, in order to give encouragement to the specially abled, she said.The visitors and ZP staff often buy the products. Officials from various departments, who attend the meetings in Zilla Panchayat, do purchase the items in the stall. During meetings and functions, the stall makes a daily turnover of Rs 700, Sharmila said.
Department of Women and Child Welfare Deputy Director Gurtrude Wegas said that the The Nirantara Marata Ghataka was started in March 2013, as the joint venture of District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Department of Women and Child Welfare and Sthree Shakthi Block Society, Mangalore.
The objective of the stall is to encourage the sale of the products of Sthree Shakti members who do not have market facilities. However, the stall is open to all Sthree Shakti groups. The benefits gained by the sale of items will go to the respective Sthree shakti groups. Also, the Zilla Panchayat has provided free space, she added.
