New Delhi: On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday and the completion of 100 days of Modi Government 3.0, Manoj Kumar, Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, gave a significant gift to lakhs of Khadi artisans in a programme organised at Asmavati Riverfront in Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. An increase of 25 percent in the wages of spinners and 7 percent in the wages of weavers has been announced. The increased wages will be effective from 2 October 2024, on the birthday of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. On this occasion, a 26-foot-long and 13-foot-wide stainless steel 'Memorial Charkha' installed at the Asmavati Riverfront was also unveiled. During the programme, the KVIC Chairman distributed Margin Money subsidy of Rs 101 crore into the accounts of 3,911 beneficiaries under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and inaugurated 1,100 new PMEGP units via video conferencing.

Addressing the programme, Manoj Kumar said that the wages of spinners and weavers have been increased for the second time during his tenure. From 2 October 2024, spinners will receive wages of Rs 12.50 per hank instead of Rs 10. Earlier, on 1 April 2023, it was increased from Rs 7.50 to Rs 10 per hank. He further stated that the 'Khadi Kranti,' under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has brought about a significant change in the lives of spinners and weavers. The Khadi turnover has surpassed Rs 1.55 lakh crore in the last financial year. In line with the Prime Minister's vision to extend benefits to Khadi family artisans, the Commission has decided to increase their wages. He mentioned that there are approximately 3,000 registered Khadi institutions across the country, employing 4.98 lakh Khadi artisans, of which about 80 percent are women. The increased wages will provide them with new economic strength. He further noted that wages have been increased by around 213 percent under the Modi government, symbolising the economic empowerment of rural India through Khadi.

During the event, the KVIC Chairman unveiled a commemorative charkha made of stainless steel at Asmavati Riverfront, modelled on the monumental charkha installed at Delhi International Airport. Earlier, on 12 September, a similar charkha was unveiled at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his presidential address, Manoj Kumar said that the objective of KVIC in installing the memorial Charkha is to connect the new generation with the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi, as well as to raise awareness about Khadi, the national heritage of India. He further stated that the 'New Khadi of New India' has given new direction to the 'Aatmnirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat Campaign'. This charkha, installed at the birthplace of Pujya Bapu, will serve as a reminder to the new generation of the legacy of the Father of the Nation.

During the programme, Margin Money subsidy worth Rs 101 crore was also distributed into the accounts of 3,911 beneficiaries across the country under PMEGP, creating 43,021 new jobs. Additionally, 1,100 new PMEGP units established across the country were inaugurated by the KVIC Chairman. Addressing the beneficiaries, Manoj Kumar said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of the Ministry of MSME, PMEGP has emerged as a new source of energy and power for the country’s cottage industry. Over the past 10 years, 83.48 lakh people have gained employment through 9.58 lakh new projects. During this period, KVIC has distributed Margin Money worth approximately Rs 24,000 crore. He further mentioned that 10.17 lakh new jobs were created in the last financial year through Khadi and Village Industries.

Representatives of Khadi institutions associated with the KVIC State Office in Gujarat, along with Khadi workers, artisans, and KVIC officers and employees, were present at the programme. /BI