LUCKNOW: A significant partnership is on the horizon as the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) prepares to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore. The primary objective of these MoUs is to elevate Lucknow to the status of a model city while also boosting its rankings in the Swachh Survekshan (Cleanliness Survey).

The collaboration, set to commence on Friday, will span three years and encompass a wide range of initiatives aimed at realizing the shared vision. "Our ultimate goal with these MoUs is to transform Lucknow into a model city. We intend not only to stimulate the local economy but also to impart the best sanitation practices to Lucknow," explained an official.

This strategic alliance will also focus on revitalizing Lucknow's Chikan Handicraft Industry and supporting its artisans, particularly the female workers who devote countless hours to the meticulous craft of traditional garment embroidery. By offering enhanced global exposure, this collaboration seeks to promote and preserve the rich tradition of hand embroidery.

The comprehensive agreement outlines a diverse array of activities and training programs designed to upskill the artisans, empowering them to leverage their craft and employ modern techniques. As part of the state government's One District One Product (ODOP) project, which aims to encourage indigenous and specialized products, IIM Indore's team of experts will facilitate knowledge transfer, connect artisans with leading design institutes, and equip them with new-age tools. This endeavor will usher in a new era of modernity for this cherished traditional craft.

Moreover, the alliance places great emphasis on promoting financial independence among artisans and members of the Self-Employed Women's Association (Sewa). "Our focal points include upskilling artisans, fostering collaborations with prestigious design institutes, expanding the market reach of their products, and empowering women with financial literacy. By liberating them from local money lenders and enabling access to institutional credit, we aim to facilitate their financial independence," asserted Himanshu Rai, Director of IIM Indore.

Simultaneously, the second pact will be established between the LMC and IIM Indore, with a shared objective of formulating effective strategies to accomplish the targets outlined in the Swachh Bharat Mission and enhance the overall sanitation status of the city.

Under this agreement, IIM Indore will address two critical aspects. Firstly, it will devise ward-wise plans for Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) strategies to instill behavioral changes among residents and effectively convey the importance of a clean neighborhood to every household. Secondly, the collaboration will focus on capacity building for LMC officials, imparting best practices that have enabled Indore to secure the title of the cleanest city six times consecutively.

"In line with our successful approach in districts such as Ayodhya and Kanpur, we will develop ward-specific strategies by identifying and addressing the unique challenges of each area. Additionally, we will enhance the capacities of LMC officials to replicate exemplary governance models," added Rai.

This partnership between the Lucknow Municipal Corporation and IIM Indore holds immense promise for transforming Lucknow into a model city, while also elevating its sanitation standards to unprecedented heights. By blending expertise, knowledge, and innovation, they are poised to create a sustainable and prosperous future for the city and its residents.