Uttar Pradesh Government's Game-Changing Initiative for MSMEs & Startups

A Complete Startup-Friendly Guide by Rokadh Financial Services

Published: April 2026| Category: Government Schemes, MSME, Startup Finance, Uttar Pradesh

What Is the ODOP Scheme? — A Simple Explanation

If you are a startup founder, a small manufacturer, an artisan, or an aspiring entrepreneur sitting anywhere in Uttar Pradesh — from Lucknow to Mirzapur, from Agra to Varanasi — the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme is one of the most powerful government-backed opportunities you should know about right now.

Launched on 24 January 2018 (Uttar Pradesh Divas) by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the ODOP scheme is an initiative by the Government of Uttar Pradesh that identifies ONE signature product for each of its 75 districts and then pours focused financial, technical, and marketing support behind that product.

Think of it this way: every district in UP has always had a craft or product it is historically famous for. Varanasi has Banarasi silk sarees. Agra has leather goods. Firozabad has glass bangles. Kannauj has attar (perfume). Moradabad has brassware. The ODOP scheme says — let's make these products globally competitive, give artisans real financial support, build markets, and create millions of jobs along the way.

Scheme Overview at a Glance

Why Was ODOP Launched? — The Objectives

Uttar Pradesh is India's most populous state with 204+ million people spread across vastly diverse geographies. Small artisans in rural and semi-urban areas have been producing world-class products for centuries, but with no access to finance, markets, technology, or branding support, many of these traditions were dying.

ODOP was launched to change exactly that. Here are its core objectives:

1. Preserve and promote local crafts, skills, and traditional art forms of each district
2. Generate employment for 25 lakh youth across UP within 5 years
3. Improve income of artisans and reduce migration from rural areas to cities
4. Improve product quality and help artisans adopt modern technology
5. Connect UP's traditional products with national and international markets
6. Contribute an additional 2% to the state's GDP
7. Reduce economic disparity and regional imbalance across UP's 75 districts
8. Promote ODOP products as gifts, souvenirs, and tourism products
9. Link the scheme with India's 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision

Complete District-Wise ODOP Product List — All 75 Districts of Uttar Pradesh

Below is the official list of all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh and their respective ODOP product. If you are a startup or MSME looking to apply, first identify your district's designated product — you must operate in that product category to be eligible for ODOP-specific financial benefits.

Source: Official ODOP Portal — www.odopup.in

The Four ODOP Sub-Schemes — What Support Can You Get?

ODOP is not just one scheme — it is a bundle of four focused support programs. Here is what each one does for you:

1. ODOP Finance Assistance Scheme (Margin Money Scheme)

This is the most popular component. Under this scheme, eligible businesses can get a margin money subsidy (interest-free grant) to reduce the financial burden of setting up or expanding an ODOP unit.

How the subsidy slab works for larger projects:

1. Project cost up to ₹25 Lakh → 25% subsidy (max ₹6.25 Lakh)
2. Project cost ₹25–₹50 Lakh → ₹6.25 Lakh or 20% (whichever is higher)
3. Project cost ₹50–₹150 Lakh → ₹10 Lakh or 10% (whichever is higher)
4. Project cost above ₹150 Lakh → 10% subsidy (max ₹20 Lakh)

2. Common Facility Centre (CFC) Scheme

Under this scheme, the government sets up shared infrastructure — machinery, equipment, testing labs, design studios — that multiple small artisans and units can use together. This means a small artisan in Bhadohi (carpets) or Moradabad (brass) does not need to buy expensive machines alone.

CFCs are established in clusters of ODOP industries and are available to all registered units in the area at subsidized or nominal rates.

3. Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme

Even the best products fail without the right market access. The MDA scheme helps ODOP entrepreneurs and artisans by:

1. Funding participation in national and international trade fairs and exhibitions
2. Providing support for branding, packaging design, and labeling
3. Listing products on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, GeM Portal, and eBay
4. Facilitating buyer-seller meets and B2B connections
5. Supporting export documentation and market linkage

ODOP has tie-ups with Amazon, Flipkart, GeM (Government e-Marketplace), eBay, and the ONDC network. There is also a dedicated ODOP Mart at www.odopmart.up.gov.in where you can sell your products.

4. Skill Development and Training Scheme (Toolkit Scheme)

For artisans and workers in ODOP industries, the government provides free or subsidized skill training programs. Along with training, eligible artisans also receive a toolkit — a set of modern tools related to their craft — to improve productivity and product quality.

Training is conducted through recognized institutions and covers areas like product design, quality improvement, technology adoption, and business skills.

Eligibility — Who Can Apply for ODOP?

If you are wondering whether you qualify, here is the straightforward eligibility checklist:

You are NOT eligible if:

1. You are already a defaulter of any nationalized bank, financial institution, or government body
2. You have already availed benefits under PM Rozgar Yojana, PMEGP, CM Employment Scheme, or any similar Central/State government self-employment scheme in the past
3. Your business unit does not relate to the ODOP product of your district

Special categories get additional benefits: SC/ST, Women, OBC, Minorities, Ex-Servicemen, Transgenders, and entrepreneurs from aspirational districts are eligible for higher subsidy rates.

How to Apply — Step-by-Step Process

Applying for ODOP is entirely online. Here is how you do it, step by step:

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to www.diupmsme.upsdc.gov.in — this is the official MSME Department portal of Uttar Pradesh where ODOP applications are processed. Alternatively, start at www.odopup.in and click 'Apply Online'.

Step 2: Register / Log In

Create a new account using your Aadhaar number and mobile number, or log in if you already have an account. You can also use the Udyam Sarthi App (available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store) for mobile-based registration.

Step 3: Select Your Scheme

Choose between: ODOP Margin Money Scheme or ODOP Training and Toolkit Scheme. Select the one relevant to your need.

Step 4: Fill the Application Form

Fill in all the required details: personal information, business details, district and ODOP product category, project cost, and loan amount required.

Step 5: Upload Documents

You will need to upload the following documents:

1. Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / PAN Card
2. Passport-size photograph
3. Proof of residence (Uttar Pradesh)
4. Udyam Registration Certificate (if applicable)
5. Bank account details and IFSC code
6. Project Report / Business Plan
7. Caste certificate (if applying under SC/ST/OBC category)
8. Any existing business license or shop establishment certificate

Step 6: Submit and Track

Submit your application online. You will receive an application number. You can track your application status on the same portal. The application is then reviewed by the District Industries Centre (DIC) of your district.

Step 7: Bank Loan Processing

Once approved by DIC, your application is forwarded to a participating bank (such as Bank of Baroda, SBI, SIDBI, or other nationalized banks) for loan sanctioning. You can also apply via SIDBI at www.onlineloanappl.sidbi.in or through UdyamiMitra at www.udyamimitra.in.

Step 8: Subsidy Credit

After the loan is disbursed and your business unit is set up, the margin money subsidy is credited directly to your loan account, reducing your repayment burden.

Key Benefits for Startups and MSMEs

Here is a quick summary of what ODOP actually gives you as a new startup or small business in Uttar Pradesh:

1. Direct margin money subsidy to reduce your project financing cost
2. Access to bank loans at easier terms through government linkages
3. Free or subsidized skill training and modern toolkit for artisans
4. Access to shared infrastructure through Common Facility Centres
5. Your product listed on Amazon, Flipkart, GeM, eBay, and ODOP Mart
6. Support for trade fair participation at national and international level
7. Branding, packaging, and design assistance
8. GI (Geographical Indication) tagging support for eligible products
9. Export market linkage and documentation support
10. Connections with industry bodies like QCI, NSE, BSE, Amazon, Wipro, and more

ODOP and City-Level Opportunities — Your District, Your Advantage

The power of ODOP is in its hyper-local focus. Let us look at some key districts and what this means for entrepreneurs there:

Lucknow — Chikankari & Zari Zardozi

Lucknow's Chikankari is world-famous and already GI-tagged. If you are in Lucknow and working in the embroidery space — whether as a manufacturer, designer, exporter, or retailer — ODOP gives you direct access to funds, market platforms, and skill training. Startups combining traditional Chikankari with modern fashion tech have a massive opportunity here.

Agra — Leather Products

Agra is India's leather hub and a major exporter. Startups in footwear manufacturing, leather accessories, or export businesses based in Agra can access ODOP margin money, Common Facility Centres with modern machinery, and international trade fair participation support.

Varanasi — Banarasi Silk Saree

The Banarasi silk saree is a global icon. Entrepreneurs in Varanasi working with weavers, running online saree businesses, or establishing export units can tap ODOP support for branding, e-commerce listing, and export market access.

Meerut — Sports Products

Meerut produces a significant share of India's sports goods. Startups in sports equipment manufacturing — from cricket bats to boxing gloves — can benefit from ODOP's infrastructure and export support.

Moradabad — Metal Craft (Brass Work)

Called the 'Brass City of India,' Moradabad exports brassware globally. MSME entrepreneurs and startups here can use ODOP for export documentation support, quality certification, and international buyer connections.

Kannauj — Perfume (Attar)

Kannauj is known as the 'Perfume City of India.' Natural attar businesses here have massive global demand. ODOP helps by connecting them to export markets and providing marketing support.

Firozabad — Glassware

Firozabad's glass bangle industry employs lakhs. Startups here — whether in glass design, export, or technical upgradation — can use ODOP's CFC infrastructure and marketing support.

Gorakhpur — Terracotta

Gorakhpur's unique Terracotta craft has rich heritage. Artisan entrepreneurs can use ODOP to scale up, improve quality, access packaging support, and sell online nationally and globally.

Jhansi — Soft Toys

Jhansi is a growing soft toy manufacturing hub. Startups in toy design, manufacturing, and export from Jhansi can access ODOP's skill development and marketing support.

Bhadohi / Mirzapur / Sitapur / Jaunpur / Sonbhadra — Carpets

The carpet belt of UP is globally renowned. Carpet manufacturers, exporters, and entrepreneurs in these districts can use ODOP for export facilitation, quality certification, and international exhibition participation.

Important Links and Contact Information

Here are the key resources you need to take the next step:

1. Official ODOP Website: www.odopup.in
2. Online Application Portal: www.diupmsme.upsdc.gov.in
3. ODOP Mart (Buy/Sell): www.odopmart.up.gov.in
4. SIDBI Online Application: www.onlineloanappl.sidbi.in
5. UdyamiMitra Portal: www.udyamimitra.in
6. Udyam Sarthi App: Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store
7. GeM Portal: www.gem.gov.in
8. Toll Free Helpline: 1800-1800-888
9. Nivesh Mitra Portal: www.niveshmitra.up.nic.in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can a completely new startup apply for ODOP?

Yes. New enterprises are eligible. In fact, the Margin Money Scheme is specifically designed to help new units get started by reducing the upfront financial burden.

Q2. What if I want to work in a product not listed under my district's ODOP?

ODOP-specific financial subsidies (like the Margin Money Scheme) are only available for the designated ODOP product of your district. However, you can still access general MSME schemes for other products.

Q3. Is there any fee to apply?

No. The application is free of cost on the government portal.

Q4. How long does approval take?

Processing times vary by district and scheme. Once documents are complete and submitted, the District Industries Centre typically reviews applications within a few weeks. Bank processing then follows.

Q5. Can I sell on Amazon and Flipkart through ODOP?

Yes. ODOP has official tie-ups with Amazon and Flipkart. You can register as a seller through the links on the ODOP portal and also access ODOP Mart for dedicated ODOP product listings.

Q6. Is the subsidy repayable?

The Margin Money subsidy is a grant — it is credited to your loan account and reduces the loan amount you need to repay. It is not a loan itself and does not need to be repaid separately.

Q7. Is ODOP a central or state scheme?

It started in UP but is now a National Initiative under DPIIT.

Q8. Can I sell my ODOP products on Amazon?

Yes, the government has MoUs with Amazon and Flipkart to promote ODOP products.

Q9. What is the "Unity Mall" in UP?

A dedicated shopping hub (like the one in Lucknow) where only ODOP products are sold.

Q10. Does ODOP provide interest-free loans?

No, but the Margin Money acts as a subsidy that reduces your total repayment.

Q11. What is the maximum subsidy in ODOP?

₹20 Lakh.

Q12. Can I get a loan without a collateral security?

Loans up to certain limits under CGTMSE can be collateral-free.

Q13. Is GST registration mandatory for ODOP?

For loans above a certain threshold, yes. Rokadh can help you get registered.

Q14. Can a Startup in Kanpur get a subsidy for Lucknow's Chikankari?

Generally, no. You must produce the product assigned to your district.

Q15. Can students apply?

Yes, if they are 18+ and have a business idea.

Q16. Is a degree required for ODOP?

No educational minimum is required.

Q17. Can I apply if I already have a business?

Yes, for expansion and modernization.

Q18. Can women entrepreneurs get extra benefits?

Yes, special preference is given to women-led SHGs.

Q19. What documents are needed for ODOP?

Aadhaar, Pan Card, Photo, Bank Details, and Project Report.

Q20. Do I need a Trademark for ODOP?

It is highly recommended to protect your brand globally.

Q21. What is ISO certification's role in ODOP?

It helps in quality assurance for exports.

Q22. Can Rokadh help with MSME/Udyam registration?

Yes, we provide this as a core service.

Q23. How long does the ODOP approval process take?

Usually 30-60 days from application to bank disbursement.

Q24. Can I change my district in the application?

No, it is based on your unit's physical location.

Q25. What is the Margin Money percentage for SC/ST?

It remains the same as the general slabs but with easier bank processing.

🏗️ Building Your Legacy with Rokadh Financial Services

Launching a business under the ODOP scheme is more than just getting a loan; it's about building a sustainable brand. At Rokadh Financial Services Private Limited, we provide the "Silver Standard" of professionalism.

From Tax Consultation and Company Registration to Audit and Compliance, we ensure that your startup doesn't just start—it thrives.

Ready to turn your district's product into a global brand? Visit www.rokadh.com and let’s get to work!

How Rokadh Financial Services Can Help You

At Rokadh Financial Services Private Limited, we specialize in helping MSMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs across Uttar Pradesh navigate government schemes, access financing, and build sustainable businesses.

Whether you are just starting out, trying to understand your eligibility, need help preparing your project report, or want assistance with loan applications under ODOP or other government schemes — our team is here to guide you through every step.

1. ODOP Application Assistance across all 75 districts of UP
2. Project Report Preparation for bank loan applications
3. MSME Registration and Udyam Certificate support
4. Business loan advisory and bank linkage
5. Startup financial planning and compliance support
6. GI Tag, FSSAI, trade license, and other registration support