KVIC to open ‘Khadi Lounge’ at Delhi, Jaipur and Lucknow

In view of promoting khadi for masses, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is set to open modern high end khadi outlet named 'Khadi Lounge' at Delhi, Jaipur and Lucknow.

"After Mumbai, the khadi lounges will be opened at Delhi, Jaipur and Lucknow, which will stock premium collection varieties of elegant, stylish khadi silk and newly designed ready-mades which will satisfy the quest of khadi lovers," KVIC Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena told reporters here on Saturday.

KVIC will also renovate its 178 odd old outlets with the help of Rs 80 crore grant, Saxena said.

KVIC on Saturday opened its first high end Khadi outlet named Khadi lounge in Mumbai, which will showcase designer line of garments and exclusive fabric for men and women in major metropolitan cities.

The designer wear includes high fashion garments including ready to wear designed by Ritu Beri, an acclaimed fashion designer.

This store will provide Khadi a niche among the fashion conscious Mumbaikars and trend conscious youth with modern hand spun fabric and garments, an official release said.

The idea of Lounge series of Khadi outlet is to showcase countries best handcrafted fabric and products in the modern outlet, it added.

While inaugurating the khadi lounge, Minister of State for MSME, Haribhai Choudhary said buying one piece of khadi cloth will generate employment for one artisan.

MSME is generating 94 per cent employment and only 4 per cent is done by public sector. MSME sector also contribute 65 per cent of GDP growth is from MSME sector, he said.

The Minister informed that entrepreneurs ZED (zero defects, zero effect) movement is being taken up by MSME, at least 10 lakh units should come forward. We have set 50 parameters to meet ZED certification standard. The banks are instructed for generated one entrepreneur from SC/ST and women from each branch, he added.

Creating healthy completion for quality production is another agenda of MSME. For this five types of awards will be given to increase to best performer from MSME sector, Choudhary said.

Saxena said KVIC reconfirms its commitment towards 'Make in India' initiative and aligned with Prime Minister's vision for khadi.

Saxena also informed about launching of cashless digital payment system like Paytm.

Usha Suresh, CEO, KVIC said "the company has taken this initiative to implement the mission of our Prime Minister for making of khadi, a fashionable garment".