On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday and the completion of 100 days of his third term, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) made a series of impactful announcements aimed at benefiting Khadi artisans across India. In a special event held at the Asmavati Riverfront in Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar revealed that the wages of Khadi spinners would increase by 25% and those of weavers by 7%, effective from October 2, 2024, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.
A significant highlight of the event was the unveiling of a 26-foot-long and 13-foot-wide stainless steel “Memorial Charkha” at the riverfront, symbolizing the values of self-reliance and national heritage. This installation mirrors the monumental charkha displayed at Delhi Airport and aims to reconnect the younger generation with the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and the significance of Khadi.
In addition to wage hikes, KVIC distributed a margin money subsidy worth ₹101 crore to 3,911 beneficiaries under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), providing employment to 43,021 individuals. Furthermore, the chairman inaugurated 1,100 new PMEGP units via video conference, highlighting the government’s ongoing commitment to empowering rural industries.
Addressing the gathering, Manoj Kumar emphasized that this is the second wage increase for artisans during his tenure. He shared that from October 2, 2024, spinners will earn ₹12.50 per hank, an increase from ₹10, which had already been raised from ₹7.50 in April 2023. He lauded the “Khadi Kranti” under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, noting that Khadi sales crossed ₹1.55 lakh crore in the last fiscal year, further uplifting the livelihoods of nearly 5 lakh artisans, 80% of whom are women. Over the course of Modi’s tenure, wages for Khadi workers have seen an impressive 213% increase, contributing significantly to rural empowerment.
The chairman also underlined the transformative impact of PMEGP on India’s cottage industry, which has generated employment for 83.48 lakh people through 9.58 lakh new projects over the past decade. Margin Money subsidies amounting to ₹24,000 crore have been disbursed during this time, with over 10 lakh new jobs created in the last financial year alone.
The event was attended by Khadi artisans, representatives of various Khadi institutions, and KVIC officers, all celebrating the strides made under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
