The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) inaugurated a National-level Khadi Exhibition at the Mahakumbh 2025 in Kumbh Nagri, Prayagraj. The event, held at Sector-1, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, was inaugurated by KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar on January 18, 2025. Distinguished guests included MLA (Prayagraj North) Shri Harsh Vardhan Vajpayee and Mayor Shri Ganesh Kesarwani.
The exhibition, which will run until February 26, features 152 stalls. Among them, 98 stalls display Khadi products, while 54 showcase items from village industries. These stalls represent the craftsmanship of artisans from over 20 states, spanning the length and breadth of the country, from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra to Nagaland.
Addressing the audience, Shri Manoj Kumar emphasized the cultural and economic significance of Khadi. He noted that the Mahakumbh symbolizes Indian tradition and self-reliance. Under the ‘Charkha Kranti’ initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Khadi has become a global symbol of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) and Swadeshi. He encouraged visitors to support the Vocal for Local initiative by purchasing indigenous products showcased at the exhibition.
Highlights of Khadi and Village Industries Growth
Shri Manoj Kumar also highlighted the remarkable progress made in Khadi and village industries over the past decade:
- Production Growth: Increased from ₹26,000 crores to ₹1 lakh crore.
- Sales Surge: Sales rose from ₹31,000 crores to ₹1.55 lakh crores.
- Employment Growth: Employment opportunities increased by 43.65%, benefitting 1.87 crore people. In the last financial year alone, 10.17 lakh new jobs were created.
- Artisan Earnings: The earnings of Khadi artisans rose by 213%, with wages increasing from ₹4 to ₹12.50 per thread bundle (lachha).
Uttar Pradesh’s Contribution and Initiatives
The Chairman noted that over 1.4 lakh artisans are employed through 450+ Khadi institutions in Uttar Pradesh. Key achievements in the state include:
- MMDA and ISEC Support: ₹15 crore in Modified Market Development Assistance (MMDA) and ₹4 crore under the Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate (ISEC) were disbursed in the current financial year.
- Tool Distribution: Under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, tools were provided to 1,550 beneficiaries last year, with a target of 1,850 this year.
- PMEGP Impact: ₹137 crore in subsidies were disbursed through the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), creating 38,588 jobs in Uttar Pradesh.
Celebrating the Spirit of Self-Reliance
Shri Manoj Kumar commended Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership in spearheading the ‘Khadi Revolution’ to boost India’s rural economy. He also lauded Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath for transforming Prayagraj into a global spiritual destination. The Chairman described the exhibition as a live testament to India’s self-reliance and cultural heritage, urging devotees to support the Khadi movement.
The event was attended by representatives of Khadi institutions, PMEGP beneficiaries, artisans, and officials from KVIC and the Uttar Pradesh government.