Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman of KVIC, distributed 100 electric pottery wheels to artisans in Kerala during his visit to Central Sliver Plant (CSP) Kuttur on 18th December 2023. The Central Sliver Plant (CSP) was inaugurated by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah on 2nd Dec 2023 through online medium. Addressing the distribution program, Shri Manoj Kumar remarked that under the guidance and support of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, KVIC is implementing various programs under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana scheme. These programs aim to save traditional industries in rural areas and improve the livelihoods of poor artisans, including tribals in hilly areas, particularly SC/ST and women. Highlighting their efforts in mineral-based industries, Kerala State has already distributed 200 pottery wheels and with this recent distribution of 100 wheels under the Kumbhar Sashaktikaran program, a total of 300 pottery wheels have been provided.
Shri Manoj Kumar shared that the KVIC sector has witnessed significant growth in the last nine years. This growth stands as a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to the welfare of Khadi artisans. He further reiterated that this success is a direct result of "Modi Ki Guarantee," the Prime Minister's unwavering dedication to the well-being of Khadi artisans. This dedication is evident in the 20% increase in Kerala's overall Khadi performance compared to last year, leading to the employment of 13,500 artisans. KVIC in Trivandrum, Kerala, plays a crucial role in supporting this growth. It oversees KVI activities and provides essential technical and other support to 30 Khadi institutions.
Shri Manoj Kumar also mentioned that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been a driving force behind the growth of artisans' livelihoods in rural areas. Through the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), he has provided standard wages, machinery, and essential support through various schemes like PMEGP, specifically targeted towards unemployed youth.He said that Prime Minister believes that Khadi is not just a piece of cloth but symbol of pride for those who embrace self-reliance, value indigenous goods and envision the dream of a self-reliant India. It stands as a powerful weapon, strengthening the spirit of ‘Make in India’ and weaving the fabric of a self-reliant nation.
Speaking on the rising trend of the KVIC sector, he noted that Khadi performance has improved threefold in the last nine years. Similarly, since the introduction of the PMEGP scheme in Kerala, Rs. 571.86 crore in Margin Money grants has been disbursed to 27,651 units, generating employment for 2,21,208 people through the establishment of new enterprises. As of November 2023, Rs. 38.15 crore has been disbursed, leading to the creation of 1,625 new enterprises. The program was attended by senior officials of KVIC and 300 artisans from Kerala.