Shri Manoj Kumar, Hon'ble Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, inaugurated the five-day exhibition cum Sale of Clay Artifacts, Pottery and various village industries products including Khadi and products of PMEGP units’, organized at Draupadi Koop in Brahma Sarovar premises, Kurukshetra. Inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this exhibition aims to provide marketing platform to the institutions, artisans and beneficiaries associated under the Khadi and Village Industry Development Scheme with 'Kumhar Sashaktikaran', Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) and Khadi manufacturing as well as to empower them economically.

Chairman KVIC Shri Manoj Kumar said that Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is doing commendable work under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to preserve the legacy of revered Bapu, Khadi and cottage industries. Through the exhibition, KVIC is providing a platform to those artisans and beneficiaries across the country who are associated with the KVIC in some or the other way. He informed that a total of 21 stalls have been set up in the exhibition, out of which 15 stalls belong to those potters who have been provided electric wheels by KVIC through the Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana. Along with this, there are also 6 stalls of PMEGP/Khadi beneficiaries in which village industry products have been displayed. Live demonstrations have also been arranged here to explain the process of making Khadi and pottery to the visitors.

Chairman KVIC Shri Manoj Kumar, while addressing the beneficiaries, said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and under the guidance of the Ministry of MSME, 'New Khadi of New India' is setting new standards. The objective of this exhibition is to promote Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 'Vocal for Local' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' campaigns. He further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi the 'Khadi Revolution', sales of Khadi and Village Industries surpassed figures of Rs 1 lakh 55 thousand crore in the last 10 years, while 10.17 lakh new people have got employment. He also informed that 59,996 artisans are getting employment through 131 Khadi institutions in Haryana. Under the potter empowerment scheme from the year 2017-18 to 2023-24, training and electric wheels have been distributed to 1610 potters to the cost of Rs 96.86 lakh, while 4200 honey bee boxes have been provided to beekeepers to the cost of Rs 3.08 crore so far. Under PMEGP, 15,933 new units have also been established in Haryana from the year 2014, through which 21 lakh people have got employment. The Government of India has distributed a subsidy of Rs 484.45 crore for the establishment of these units.

During the event, discussions were held to explore opportunities for a joint venture between Kurukshetra University and KVIC. Both institutions expressed a shared vision of leveraging their strengths to undertake collaborative activities that benefit students and rural communities.

Hon'ble Chairman, KVIC, Sh. Manoj Kumar, emphasized the importance of empowering the youth and transforming them into job providers rather than job seekers under the flagship programme of PMEGP. He advised the Director, KVIC State Office, Ambala, to take the necessary steps to initiate collaboration events that align with this vision.

The proposed collaboration aims to:

• Foster skill development among youth.
• Encourage entrepreneurial initiatives in the Khadi and Village Industries sector.
• Create avenues for students to engage in innovative and sustainable enterprises.

This partnership is expected to strengthen ties between Kurukshetra University and KVIC, contributing significantly to the self-reliance movement and the Make in India initiative.

The Pottery Exhibition, showcasing the rich heritage and craftsmanship of rural artisans, will run until 16th December 2024, featuring daily cultural events, live pottery demonstrations, and an array of handcrafted products. The grand inauguration was graced by Sh. Manoj Kumar, Hon’ble Chairman of KVIC, along with esteemed dignitaries Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Sharma, Registrar, Kurukshetra University, and Prof. (Dr.) Vivek Chawla, Director, Kurukshetra University along with officials of Cetre of Excellence for Khadi, New Delhi, Artisans and various Khadi Institutions OF Haryana state and officials of KVIC.

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