In a resounding push for India’s self-reliance and revival of the Khadi movement, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the Khadi Karigar Mahotsav at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak. Marking a major boost to rural artisans, Shah distributed 2,298 machines and toolkits, unveiled projects worth ₹33.66 crore, and launched new employment ventures under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), urging every Indian family to buy Khadi products worth ₹5,000 annually to strengthen grassroots economies.

The event began with the traditional lighting of the lamp and the unveiling of the “Khadi Pagdi.” A short film highlighting Khadi’s journey was screened before Shah distributed electric potters’ wheels, spinning wheels, sewing machines, incense stick-making units, leather repair kits, and mobile and air-conditioner repair toolkits to artisans from Haryana. The Home Minister also honoured five senior Khadi artisans for their contribution to the sector.

Through a virtual platform, Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several KVIC initiatives worth ₹33.66 crore. These included the renovation of the Khadi and Village Industries Bhavan at Connaught Place, New Delhi, into a modern “Khadi Mall,” the inauguration of KVIC’s new divisional office building in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, the opening of 762 new work sheds for artisans, 35 renovated sales outlets across the country, and the commissioning of the Organic Cotton Central Sliver Plant in Wardha, Maharashtra.

Additionally, a margin money subsidy of ₹301 crore was released under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), alongside the launch of 8,310 new PMEGP units involving a total investment of ₹741.16 crore.

In his address, Shah said Mahatma Gandhi had made Khadi the foundation of Swadeshi and self-reliance during the freedom movement, but successive governments neglected it. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi, first as Chief Minister of Gujarat and later as Prime Minister, revived Khadi with new vigour,” he said. “In recent years, Khadi and Village Industries’ sales have risen from ₹33,000 crore to ₹1,70,000 crore. Few corporations achieve such turnover, yet the profits from Khadi flow directly to our weavers and women workers across the country.”

“When we wear Khadi,” Shah added, “we are not merely wearing cloth; we are embracing the spirit of Swadeshi and self-reliant India.” He urged citizens to adopt Khadi as a lifestyle choice and reiterated that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is moving towards becoming a developed nation. “Khadi will play a crucial role when India celebrates 100 years of independence,” he said, lauding KVIC’s role in promoting the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion, and Khadi for Transformation’.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini, present on the occasion, described the event as a “celebration of Swadeshi and self-reliant India.” He said the National Cooperative Policy 2025 focuses on farmers, women, Dalits, and tribals while promoting transparency, technology, and member welfare. “Khadi products are now moving from local to global markets,” Saini remarked.

KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar, in his welcome address, said the initiatives launched under the GST Bachat Utsav will energize the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar-Ghar Swadeshi’. He noted that Amit Shah’s personal commitment to Khadi, symbolized by his constant use of Khadi apparel and active promotion of Swadeshi, has given fresh momentum to the movement.

At the conclusion, KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar presented Charkha mementos to the Home Minister, Chief Minister, and other dignitaries, while KVIC Chief Executive Officer Ms. Roop Rashi proposed the vote of thanks. The event saw the presence of several Members of Parliament, officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cooperation, KVIC, local administration, and a large gathering of Khadi artisans and beneficiaries.

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