Minister for Industries and Commerce Chander Prakash Ganga said that KVIC has approved Rs 2 crores for upgradation of Gandhi Sewa Sadan which would help in promoting Khadi and its products on large scale. He said that the KVIC has agreed for all necessary support in promoting Khadi and providing employment opportunities to the people especially of rural areas.This was stated by the Minister during his visit to Gandhi Sewa Sadan Jakh in Samba along with the Chairman Khadi and Village Industries Commission (GoI) V K Saxena.Vice Chairman, KVIB, Aga Syed Mohammad Baqir Rizvi , Secretary, KVIB, Afroz Mir and concerned officers also accompanied the Minister during the visit.Mr. Ganga inspected the store of Gandhi Sewa Sadan and was informed about the various Khadi products being displayed for sale purpose. He also visited various production units including soap, shampoo, sewing, art & craft etc. and took stock of their functioning.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that there is a need to launch a movement to promote Khadi and its products worldwide adding that Heritage cluster would be developed in Jammu and Srinagar where large no people would be provided employment avenues. He stressed for reaching out to the people of rural and far flung areas so that they avail the benefits of various schemes introduced by the government.In order to empower the women folk, the Minister said that as per the scheme of KVIC, 30 women each from 2 villages of Jakh and Ramgarh would be trained by KVIC and will be provided Solar spinning wheels (Charkha) and raw material so that they would earn their livelihood .While speaking to the gathering, Chairman, KVIC, V K Saxena said that KVIC is committed to develop khadi and are putting sincere efforts in making it a brand. He said that in present times of competition, there is a need to modernize the Khadi stores to attract the customers. “KVIC has a mission of empowering all khadi organizations and making them profit earning ventures, he added.
The Minister also visited various units sponsored by Khadi Village Industries Board under PMEGP flagship and were apprised of their functioning.
Mr. Ganga along with the Chairman, KVIC visited the proposed site of Khadi Plaza near Chichi Mata Temple in district Samba. Pertinent to mention that the proposed Khadi Plaza will be a modernized showroom of Khadi products and institute to impart training to the people.Earlier the Minister held threadbare discussion with the Chairman KVIC on various issues pertaining to the development of khadi in the state. Chairman KVIC assured the Minister of all possible support for the promotion of khadi so that employment opportunities are also be created for the people.Vice Chairman, KVIB, Aga Syed Mohammad Baqir Rizvi also discussed various issues pertaining to the Ladakh region with the Chairman KVIC including enhancement of margin money for Ladakh region, increase of subsidy amount upto 75 percent in PMEGP, craft training centre in Ladakh region etc. Chairman KVIC assured him for early redressal of all genuine demands.