In an effort to promote Khadi and support the struggling Khadi industry, the Karnataka government has asked its nearly five lakh employees to wear Khadi attire on the first Saturday of every month. The initiative will be in effect from April 21, coinciding with Civil Service Day.
The directive will apply to all state government employees, including those working in boards and corporations, universities, various statutory authorities, and aided institutions. The decision was taken at a meeting between Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh and office bearers of the Karnataka State Government Employees Association (KSGEA) held on Thursday.
Clarifying the nature of the initiative, KSGEA president C S Shadakshari said wearing Khadi would be voluntary and not mandatory.
“The Khadi industry and our weavers are facing difficulties. In response to the government’s appeal, employees have agreed to extend their support,” he said.
The government had earlier considered making Khadi attire compulsory every Friday. However, the plan was scaled down to one day a month to avoid placing an additional financial burden on employees. According to a press release issued by the KSGEA, male employees may wear Khadi pants, shirts, and overcoats, while women employees can opt for Khadi sarees or chudidars on the designated day.
To ensure direct support to the Khadi sector, employees have been asked to purchase their Khadi dress materials from government-run Khadi Gramodyoga Mandalis. To encourage such purchases, the state government has announced an additional 5 per cent discount on every purchase.
Officials said the initiative is expected to provide a boost to Khadi sales, generate sustained demand for handwoven products, and offer much-needed support to weavers and artisans associated with the traditional industry.
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