Need Assessment Study Of Maa Shitala Dham (Chowkiyan) To Promote Local Products Of Jaunpur District And Make It Self-Reliant.

Abstract

A comprehensive need assessment study focused on the Maa Shitala Dham (Chowkiyan) shopkeepers in Jaunpur district, aimed at promoting local products to achieve district self-reliance. The study spans multiple aspects, from the demography and history of the temple to an in-depth methodology of the survey conducted among 70 randomly selected shopkeepers within the temple premises. The objectives include analyzing shopkeepers' living standards and socio-economic profiles, conducting a detailed needs analysis, and identifying potential income-generating activities. Results reveal the economic conditions, satisfaction levels, and types of merchandise sold, predominantly including items such as coconut, chunri, garland, flowers, and incense sticks, with a notable emphasis on locally produced goods. Despite the area's agricultural reliance, the study suggests avenues for enhancing local industry through temple-related commerce, emphasizing the potential of leveraging the temple's popularity to foster economic self-sufficiency in Jaunpur. The initiative aligns with broader cultural and economic trends, including the 'vocal for local' movement encouraged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting a strategic approach to revitalizing local economies through cultural heritage sites.