Dr B R Ambedkar University houses a GCC store

Visakhapatnam: Dr B R Ambedkar University, Etcherla mandal, Srikakulam now houses Girijan Cooperative Corporation Limited (GCC) that extends up to 256-sft on its campus. The exclusive outlet has been readied at a cost of Rs 3.5 lakh by the GCC.

With its launch being scheduled after Independence Day, students and staff are delighted as they can now access a range of products at the ethnically designed store. From turmeric powder to soaps and organic edible stuff, the list of products includes all the GCC items along with the recently launched ones such as handy dry fruit tins.

Speaking to The Hans India, Vice-Chancellor of the university K Ramji says, "The idea behind facilitating an exclusive store in the premises is to promote forest produce and to encourage the staff and the students to bring home indigenous products. This way, we can strengthen an organic culture among communities and also improve the livelihood of tribal communities."

Since these products were not accessible in the Etcherla mandal earlier, the 'to-be-launched store' aims to cater to the organic needs of the student community and the staff on a day-to-day basis. "In addition, loyalty card is also available for the teaching and non-teaching staff of the university through which they can avail 15% discount on the products at the outlet," explains K Raghu Babu, Registrar of the university.

This apart, students also will get 5% discount on the products. "Depending on the demand, the discount will be increased further for the students in the coming days," adds Raghu Babu.

The exclusive store, set up by the GCC, also has an Araku filter coffee vending machine. Since the outlet is adjacent to the National Highway, residents from neighbouring areas can also avail the facility. In future, GCC intends to set up 100 such outlets in prime locations.