“Khadi is the Soul of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology”
MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari urges key stakeholders to come together for further boost of Khadi Sector.
Union Minister for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Road Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari said today, the MSME and Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC) together contributes 29th percent to country’s growth and 40 percent to total exports of the country. Together, they provide employment to around 11 crore people. Shri Gadkari added that it is the Government’s mission to generate additional 5 crore new jobs and policies are being framed accordingly.
These views were expressed by honorable minister during talk on “Roadmap for Growth of Khadi Sector” held during the business summit ‘Globalizing Brand Khadi – the Pride of India’ in Mumbai today. The Minister also expressed keen interest in association with key stakeholders associated with the Khadi Sector to promote it further as a brand, introduce technology and mechanization in its production, improve quality. Shri Gadkari reiterated that Khadi has the potential to capture international markets with its unique product features and sustainability. This needs to be exploited and capitalized for growth of Indian artisans. Giving stress on naturalness to the products he also shared that village industries such as pottery. bamboo, biofuel and tribal area are also picking up demand with focused initiatives from KVIC.
Honourable minister assured full Government support and assured that it will act as an able facilitator to build robust policies and framework to facilitate the growth of Khadi and Village Industries Sector.
The Minister of State for MSME Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi spoke about ways in which Khadi production can be increased thus meeting the target of generating Rs. 10,000 crore turnover in the coming five years.
He appealed that “If 130 crore people start wearing Khadi, it will provide employment to 150 million persons”.
Secretary MSME, Dr. Arun Kumar Panda addressing the event said that the summit is a good platform for all stakeholders associated with sector to give solutions that can impact life of artisans at grassroots level. The summit is a think tank to overcome the challenges and difficulties and to build the road ahead for development of the sector.
Shri Arun Kumar added that Khadi has huge potential for growth in International markets due to its USP of being a premium product which is very niche. He urged for International Collaborations to take Khadi Brand to new heights.
The event was also graced by Khadi Village Industries Commission Chairman Shr Vinay Kumar Saxena.Shri Sexena said that the total turnover of Khadi has also increased from 889 cr. to Rs. 3215 cr over the past four years. In the last four years. “Khadi has transformed to the Fabric of the Future. Due to its unique eco-friendly nature and perfect and vivid fabric qualities, Khadi has become a stylish narrative that is now popularly embraced by designers. A versatile fashion fabric, Khadi has been used as a tool to navigate India through its hard-won independence. Even today, past 72 years, the fabric continues to inspire and amaze creative minds across all International borders. Known as the “Fabric of India”, Khadi has proven to be a culture in itself, one that truly emits the pride of our country’s achievements. Innovations in Khadi are now drawing huge national and international appeal. the Khadi fabric has transcended itself as a sustainable fabric of the Future”
Speaking further he added that the acceptability of Khadi and Village Industries products has also increased tremendously.
The Summit concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Chairman CII ,Shri P.Nandkumar.
