New Delhi, Feb 26 (KNN) As the government is making efforts to increase the business turnover of Khadi Bhavan from Rs 32 crore to Rs 100 crore, a refurbished Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan was thrown open today in Delhi’s Connaught Place area, putting on sale a variety of items produced by the MSME sector.
The refurbished Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan was inaugurated by, Minister for MSME, K H Muniyappa in the presence of Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Devendra Kumar R. Desai and Secretary, Ministry of MSME Madhav Lal.
“The Khadi Bhavan fulfilling its socio-economic responsibility procures quality products from institutions recognised by KVIC and other units financed and supported by Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme, a flagship endeavour of the Ministry of MSME. Six hundred institutions, units and entrepreneurs supplying varieties of Khadi fabrics, village industries products, handicrafts and cosmetics etc. are proposed to be increased to two thousand along with the product range from seven hundred to two thousand,” said an official notification.
The MSME Ministry is implementing a comprehensive reform package for the khadi sector, the Khadi Reform and Development Programme (KRDP), which includes upgradation and capacity building of 300 khadi institutions and improved marketing with financial assistance of Rs 950 crore.
Now on offer at the Khadi Bhavan are a wide range of silk and cotton sarees, varieties of silk like Mulberry, tassar, muga, and eri, woollen and pashmina shawls with Kashmiri embroidery, jackets, coats and large number of ready to wear garments in cotton, wool, silk and poly Khadi.
There is also a wide range of herbal products including cosmetics, eatables, leather belts, wallets purses, handmade paper products, honey and handicrafts on brass, soft stone, and semi-precious jewellery.
A large number of books written by Mahatma Gandhi and other prominent writers are available. Most of the products are eco-friendly.
The cost of renovation of the four floors Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan was around Rs 12.19 crore through the Village Industries (VI) Grant under the Ministry of MSME.
Steps are also being taken to distribute 1 lakh modern Charkhas for better productivity to the artisans and also new handlooms to various Khadi sansthans under the KRDP.
Giving a distinct identity to Khadi, the Ministry recently notified Khadi Mark Regulations 2013, which empowers KVIC to provide Khadi Mark by laying down standards of assurance and by authorizing the use of Khadi Mark. A suitable Khadi Mark Logo has been developed by KVIC, which symbolizes Charkha Signifying hand spinning which is the essence of not only Khadi cloth but also Gandhian values and environment friendly nature of the product.
