IIM Indore and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation are all set to sign a 3-year-long Memorandum of Understanding (Mou). The objectives of this collaboration are two-fold: to provide global exposure to Lucknow's renowned Chikankari, and to enhance the city's Swachh Survekshan rankings. The overall target of the MoUs is to develop Lucknow as a 'model city'.

The pact envisages a range of activities and training, that will upskill the workers in enhancing their craft. Moreover, the artisans and the members of the Self-Employed Women Association (SEWA) will be trained to use new-age tools to market their products, under UP's One District One Product (ODOP) project.

IIM-I will also help develop strategies and marketing campaigns, collaborate with designers, and participate in prestigious exhibitions. It is to be noted that skill development programs for the artisans will be conducted too. Besides, they will also be introduced to microfinance schemes and technologies, that can streamline production processes and enhance efficiency.

IIM Indore will provide its expertise to the LMC in various aspects, including waste management, sanitation practices, behavioural change initiatives, and community engagement programs - all of it that helped Indore to receive the 'Cleanest City of India', award 6 times in a row.

Furthermore, a ward-wise plan will be devised to implement effective Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) strategies. The aim of it would be to promote behavioural changes among Lucknow residents and encourage them to embrace cleanliness practices.

The plan also considers exploring advanced technologies, adopting best practices from successful cleanliness campaigns around the world, and optimising resource allocation to maximise impact.