KVIC opens its first retail outlet
Taking ahead the Prime Minister's vision – 'Khadi' for the nation, Khadi for fashion and Khadi for transformation' – KVIC launched its first Khadi India franchisee store in Lajpat Nagar on July 31. This initiative would help in revolutionizing Khadi, besides bringing a vital change in the lives of farmers and artisans involved in the business.
While launching the store, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Giriraj Singh said, "It is a great opportunity for India to get recognition in the international market for Khadi's quality and its product. Solar charkhas have been installed for redefining the future of Indian weavers. It as a commercial brand has given a scope of diversification and helped in building a relationship with the artisans and consumer."
Corroborating Prime Minister's message in 'Mann ki Baat' that buying the Khadi is similar to lighting a lamp in someone's house, he said: "Unlike other parties, we are not using Mahatma Gandhi's name to have political mileage, burying his principles and ideologies. Our government has proved that Khadi can be the best medium of employment generation for youths."
The vision behind the initiative is to boost MSME in the country as it contributes 45 percent of the overall export from India.
The sector also provides employment to 120 million people and hence is a booming industry.
In recent years, production and sales of Khadi tremendously increased. Speaking about the same, Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chairman, KVIC said, "We have set a bigger target of achieving Rs,5000 crore in Khadi sales by 2018-19, with the turnover of Rs 65,000crore. Besides getting immense popularity in the country, it has won accolades globally and we are working out to make Khadi as the global fabric. The brand has taken the initiative 'Khadi Mitra' only – women to develop self-reliance and self-esteem in them."
The "Go Khadi" agenda will further promote Khadi weaving units (Sanstha's), where all the artisans are putting all their efforts and skills to provide us with the best products. Buying any product from khadi store will, in turn, help them progress.
The franchisee store houses a collection of village industry products and clothing for men and women and is jointly run by two telecom distributors Amit Mathur and Amit Singh. Products at Khadi are unique, budget friendly and designed for youth.
