Celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s 154th Birth Anniversary Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Shri Narayan Rane flagged off the Khadi Yatra and announced the 'KHADI MAHOTSAV,' scheduled from October 2nd to October 31st, 2023 in Mumbai today. This festival is dedicated to supporting the "Vocal for Local" initiative and the 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his inaugural address Shri Narayan Rane highlighted the ground-breaking initiatives by KVIC (Khadi and Village Industry) sector, showcasing significant growth aligning with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat. KVI sales have surged more than four-fold, totaling Rs. 1,34,629.91 crore in FY 2022-23 compared to Rs. 33,135.90 crore in FY 2014-15, marking an increase of 306.29%. KVI production has also increased over three-fold, reaching Rs. 95,956.67 crore in FY 2022-23 compared to Rs. 27,569.37 crore in FY 2014-15, indicating an increase of 248.05%.

Shri Rane informed about the nationwide event 'Khadi Mahotsav' from October 2nd to October 31st. The campaign aims to promote Khadi and Village Industries, handloom, handicrafts, ODOP (One District One Product) products, and various traditional and cottage industries produced locally. The festival showcases a diverse range of Khadi products from various states, including Khadi clothes, silk sarees, dress materials, kurtas, jackets, bedsheets, carpets, chemical-free shampoos, honey, and other household items, as well as exquisite art and handicrafts. On this occasion, the Minister also purchased products and made digital payments to promote the ecosystem, which is part of the Khadi Mahotsav campaign.

Shri Vinit Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of KVIC said that KVIC is launching ‘Khadi Mahotsav’ across the country from October 2nd to 31st, 2023, under the Ministry of MSME in coordination with Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of I&B, Ministry of Education, MEITY and other Ministries.

In this pursuit, the Government has identified several specific awareness activities to be undertaken nationwide for achieving tangible outcomes. Key activities include Quiz Contests and Essay writing competitions hosted for students and the general public on the MyGov.in digital platform, along with selfie contests, E-pledges, Jingle Contests, Creative Film contests, street plays, and video game competitions.

On this occasion school children who participated in various competitions from different schools in Mumbai, as well as officers and employees, were rewarded with cash prizes and certificates for their achievements.

Around 100 institutions featuring   a diverse range of Khadi products from various states, including Khadi clothes, silk sarees, dress material, kurtas, jackets, bedsheets, carpets, chemical-free shampoos, honey, and other household items, as well as exquisite art and handicrafts are participating in this exhibition. The festival aims to provide employment opportunities to weavers and workers engaged in the cottage industry.

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MJPS

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