Jammu and Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board today commemorated 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi by organising a function at Kashmir Haat-Srinagar.Secretary/Chief Executive Officer- Rashid Ahmed Qadri was the Chief Guest, who along with DyCEO (KD)-Muzaffar Allaqband and other dignitaries lit the traditional lamp and paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.While speaking on the occasion, Secretary/CEO said that the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi to the freedom struggle of India cannot be forgotten.“Mahatma Gandhi showed the path of non-violence, co-existence, composite culture and communal harmony. He preached unity in diversity along with oneness and strengthening of religious bonds," said CEO, adding that the ideas of Gandhi ji are still relevant today.He asserted that Gandhi ji stressed more on the development of villages and always encouraged rural and micro industry, which is one of the important sectors contributing towards employment generation.
"J&K Khadi and Village Industries Board has established 48,209 units under various programmes, creating employment opportunities for 1,02,947 workers. These units are annually producing Khadi and village industries products to the tune of Rs 1895 crores,” Secretary said and added that in 2017-18, J&K KVIB received 14000 applications for establishing new units.He said that J&K KVIB has been consistently performing for the welfare of the people and on the basis of its performance, it has been designated as Nodal Agency for National Scheduled Case Scheduled Tribe Hub.Deputy CEO also addressed the gathering and urged upon today’s generation to follow the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.Earlier, AEO- Dr Sandeep Kotwal said that best tributes could be paid to the Father of the Nation on his 150th birth anniversary by fighting against corruption and maintaining cleanliness.