Lijjat papad
Introduction
Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, popularly known as Lijjat papad, is an Indian women’s cooperative which was started for the empowerment of women in 1959. It is an organisation of the women, by the women and for the women. Starting as an urban cottage industry it has now spread to the rural areas. Lijjat, which started with a seed capital of just Rs. 80, has an annual turnover of Rs. 6.50 Billion and provides employment to 43000 people.
It believes in the philosophy of collective leadership making it one of the most remarkable and unique organizations. Women are the working members in the organization. They are considered the owners and have an equal share in the profit and loss of the organization. All the decisions in the organization are taken by consensus and any member can veto a decision. This organization has transformed the image status of women. It has not only provided them with employment but also with a dignified way to earn livelihood. Another interesting facet of the organization is the role of men in the organization. The men work in the organization as salaried employees only and cannot be members or owners.
Lijjat has diversified its product line and now makes spices and detergents also. Papad, Masala, Vadi, Appalam, Khakra, Chapati, Gehu Atta and detergents are some of its major products.
History
Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad was formed in 1959 as a Women’s organization manufacturing papad.¬¬ It is headquartered in Mumbai, India. In many Indian languages Mahila means women, Griha means home and Udyog means industry. In Gujrati Lijjat means “tasty”. Lijjat started with an initial capital of just Rs.80 borrowed from Chhaganlal Karamsi Parekh (Chhaganbapa), a member of the servants of the India society, and seven members with primary focus on women empowerment by providing them employment. These seven women who were the residents of Girgaum, a populated area in south Mumbai gathered on the terrace of the building and
Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, popularly known as Lijjat papad, is an Indian women’s cooperative which was started for the empowerment of women in 1959. It is an organisation of the women, by the women and for the women. Starting as an urban cottage industry it has now spread to the rural areas. Lijjat, which started with a seed capital of just Rs. 80, has an annual turnover of Rs. 6.50 Billion and provides employment to 43000 people.
It believes in the philosophy of collective leadership making it one of the most remarkable and unique organizations. Women are the working members in the organization. They are considered the owners and have an equal share in the profit and loss of the organization. All the decisions in the organization are taken by consensus and any member can veto a decision. This organization has transformed the image status of women. It has not only provided them with employment but also with a dignified way to earn livelihood. Another interesting facet of the organization is the role of men in the organization. The men work in the organization as salaried employees only and cannot be members or owners.
Lijjat has diversified its product line and now makes spices and detergents also. Papad, Masala, Vadi, Appalam, Khakra, Chapati, Gehu Atta and detergents are some of its major products.
History
Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad was formed in 1959 as a Women’s organization manufacturing papad.¬¬ It is headquartered in Mumbai, India. In many Indian languages Mahila means women, Griha means home and Udyog means industry. In Gujrati Lijjat means “tasty”. Lijjat started with an initial capital of just Rs.80 borrowed from Chhaganlal Karamsi Parekh (Chhaganbapa), a member of the servants of the India society, and seven members with primary focus on women empowerment by providing them employment. These seven women who were the residents of Girgaum, a populated area in south Mumbai gathered on the terrace of the building and