Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Congress abandoned khadi after Independence, while the Modi government revived it, turning it into a thriving sector.
“They did not pay attention to Khadi and did nothing for its promotion,” Shah said during the 'Khadi Karigar Mahotsav' here, noting that the turnover of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has risen to Rs 1.70 lakh crore from Rs 33,000 crore in 2014-15.
Highlighting the growth of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), he said, “The turnover has increased to Rs 1.70 lakh crore now from Rs 33,000 crore in 2014-15. Many companies in the country do not have such a big turnover.”
Shah recalled the historical significance of khadi, saying, “Mahatma Gandhi had used khadi during the country's freedom movement to remove poverty and make the country self-reliant. The beginning made by Mahatma Gandhi on khadi transformed the lives of lakhs of weavers in the country.”
He noted the revival efforts undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, first as Gujarat chief minister and later nationwide. “Later, as prime minister, Modi, through his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, gave the message to the citizens to use Khadi. And see the result,” he said, pointing to the remarkable growth in KVIC turnover.
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Shah added that a robust system of marketing and packaging, coupled with citizen awareness, had elevated khadi beyond mere clothing. “When we wear khadi, it is not just a dress, but a feeling of 'swadeshi' and 'Atmanirbharta',” he said.
At the event, more than 2,200 artisans received modern tool kits, while Rs 301 crore was distributed as margin money under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was also present as the programme unfolded, organised by KVIC under the Ministry of MSME, themed "Swadeshi Se Swaavlamban".
Shah concluded that the efforts over the last 11 years could have prevented unemployment if undertaken immediately after Independence. “The 'khadi mantra' given by Mahatma Gandhi gave momentum to the freedom movement. But after this, the Congress forgot about Khadi...,” he said.
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