Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad, globally known for its iconic glass bangles, also manufactures a wide range of glass products that are exported to more than 100 countries. Its major export markets include Europe, the United States, the Middle East, Germany, Russia, Japan and Iran.

Under the Yogi Adityanath government’s One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, Firozabad’s traditional glass industry has received renewed recognition.

The state government says that including glass products under the ODOP programme has helped strengthen the industry’s global identity while creating better employment opportunities. It has also generated more jobs for women and reduced the migration of workers who earlier left the district in search of employment.

According to the Uttar Pradesh government, the ODOP scheme has made it easier for glass entrepreneurs to access loans and receive margin money assistance to establish businesses. It has also improved product quality by providing free training to both male and female artisans.

The government says the industry had gone through a prolonged slowdown in previous years, forcing many workers to migrate elsewhere for jobs. It claims that the sector has now emerged as a more stable source of employment and income, with the ODOP scheme playing a key role in its revival.

Over the past 12 years, the following benefits have been provided in Firozabad under various government schemes:

• ODOP Training Scheme: 1,778 beneficiaries received Rs 46.21 lakh.
• ODOP Nutrition Scheme: 626 beneficiaries received Rs 3,677.91 lakh.
• Vishwakarma Shram Samman Scheme: 5,550 beneficiaries received Rs 168.3 lakh.
• Chief Minister’s Youth Self-Employment Scheme: 624 beneficiaries received Rs 1,609 lakh.
• Chief Minister’s Young Entrepreneur Scheme: 1,996 beneficiaries received Rs 998 lakh.
• Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme: 627 beneficiaries received Rs 1,638.89 lakh.

Known as Suhag Nagari, (City of Married Women), Firozabad is renowned for its colourful glass bangles and its centuries-old glassmaking craftsmanship, including products made using the mouth-blowing technique. Industry workers and entrepreneurs say the inclusion of Firozabad under the ODOP scheme has brought optimism to glass manufacturers, labourers and women workers.

Rajeev Dixit, a leading exporter of glass products, said the biggest benefit of the scheme was the government subsidy, which enabled his company to set up another manufacturing unit.

“We also used the loan to upgrade our technology. In the future, we want to continue introducing new products so that items currently sourced internationally can be manufactured in India, helping showcase Indian manufacturing to the world,” he said.

Glass businessman, Amit Gupta, said Firozabad’s glass industry produces products of international standards and that the ODOP scheme has been particularly beneficial because of the subsidies it offers.

“If a business needs a loan, financing of Rs 25 lakh or Rs 50 lakh is available. This has benefited traders and entrepreneurs,” he said.

Artisan Snehlata said the scheme had improved employment opportunities locally.

“It has benefited us a lot. We enjoy working here and no longer have to travel elsewhere for work. Earlier, we had to go to Noida and Delhi. Now we earn well here itself, and our income has increased compared to before,” she said.

– Ends

Published By:

Sayan Ganguly

Published On:

Aug 7, 2026 14:39 IST