LIJJAT PAPAD

Lijjat Papad (officially known as Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad) is one of India’s most iconic success stories. It is a women's worker cooperative that represents the power of female entrepreneurship and collective action.

Here is a breakdown of why Lijjat Papad is so significant:

1. Humble Beginnings

The organization started in 1959 in Mumbai with just seven women and a borrowed sum of ₹80. They began by rolling papads on a terrace to earn a sustainable livelihood. Today, it has grown into an organization with tens of thousands of members and a turnover of hundreds of crores.

2. The Cooperative Model

Unlike a traditional corporation, Lijjat is owned and run entirely by its workers, known as "Sanchalikas" (sisters).

• Ownership: Every woman who joins becomes a co-owner.

• Profits: Profits and losses are shared equally among the members.

• Empowerment: It provides a dignified source of income to women, many of whom work from their own homes.

3. Consistency and Quality

Lijjat is famous for its strict quality control. Despite being handmade across thousands of households, the taste remains consistent. This is achieved by:

• Providing the same pre-mixed dough to all members.

• Using standard weighing scales to ensure uniform size.

• Conducting daily quality checks at every branch.

4. Cultural Impact

For many Indians, the brand is synonymous with the "papad" itself. Its famous television commercial featuring a ventriloquist puppet bunny (Ramlal) and its signature "kurram-kurram" sound became a staple of Indian pop culture in the 80s and 90s.