The State Office of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ambala/Chandigarh organized a Stakeholders’ Consultation Workshop on the topic “Improving Cost and Quality Competitiveness in the Khadi and MSME Sector” today at Hotel Mount View. A total of 137 participants took part in the workshop, including spinners, weavers, trainers, accountants, secretaries of khadi institutions, SFURTI cluster artisans, PMEGP beneficiaries, NGO representatives, bankers, members of the State Level Banking Committee, UTLBC, and other officials.
In his address, the Director of KVIC, Ambala/Chandigarh explained the objective of the workshop and shared details of the three-level structure of this initiative—cluster-level workshops, zonal conferences, and a national conclave. He said the aim is to collect feedback from MSMEs and Khadi-Village Industries regarding the challenges related to cost and competitiveness, so they can become stronger and more capable in the global market.
Experts gave presentations on topics such as improving the quality of raw materials, using modern technology, convergence with schemes of other ministries, and the role of better packaging in increasing product value. A well-known exporter also spoke about the growing demand for khadi in international markets and the new opportunities emerging abroad.
All suggestions shared by participants during the interactive sessions will be compiled and sent to KVIC Headquarters and the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, for policy-level consideration. Prominent speakers and dignitaries present in the workshop included Suresh Kumar Sharma (DGM, UTLBC, Punjab National Bank), Rajkiran Johri (DGM, NABARD), Dr. N.K. Palanisamy (NIT Jalandhar), Pankaj Kumar (Assistant Director, Textile Committee, Ludhiana), Ms. Vibha Jain (COEK, Panchkula), Mrs. Rupali Tandon (Additional CEO, NRLM, Department of Rural Development, Punjab), Krishna Kumar (Assistant Director, MSME DFO Ludhiana) and Rahul B. Tirpude (Indian Packaging Agency, Department of Commerce & Industry, Government of India).
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to KVIC and the Ministry of MSME for this useful and participatory initiative.