Indian Express | Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurates toy kiosk at IOCL outlet: ‘Will help in realising PM’s dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat’

Apr 14,2023

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday inaugurated a toy kiosk at a retail outlet owned by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) at Aero City.

The minister expressed his pleasure at this one-of-its-kind initiatives of the corporation of handholding and supporting a new start-up, Urban Tots, which will inculcate the culture of entrepreneurship in the country.

“This will be helpful in realising Prime Minister’s dream of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” he said.

In addition, the setting up of the kiosks will augment optimal utilisation of space at the retail outlets for public convenience. He also interacted with the children present on the occasion and encouraged their parents to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship among the children.

The minister appreciated the latest dispensing units and other customer-centric initiatives being undertaken at the retail outlet. He expressed satisfaction after receiving positive feedback from the customers present at the outlet.

V Satish Kumar, director (marketing), Indian Oil Corporation Limited, said that toys are the most sought-after product at petrol pumps after spare parts, tyres, snacks and beverages. He said that Indian Oil will be able to enhance the customer experience with a wide range of toys from Urban Tots, thus resulting in customer delight. “We as a group are working on a mission to be a one-stop shop for our customers.”

Indian Oil, the energy of India, has entered into an MoU with Deepak Houseware and Toys Pvt Ltd, a start-up popularly known as Urban Tots engaged in the business of manufacturing and selling of toys. The corporation will provide space at IndianOil retail outlets to Urban Tots for setting up toy shop /kiosks and market their products to the customers visiting the outlets. The first five toy stores of Urban Tots have been commissioned in the Tricity and 500 more toy kiosks will be set up across the country.

Jitendra Kumar, executive director and state head, IndianOil, and other senior officers were present on the occasion.