Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union Minister for MSME, Inaugurates “Khadi India Pavilion” at the 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024

The Union Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, inaugurated the *Khadi India Pavilion* at the 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024 in Hall No. 6 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event was graced by the presence of Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), along with officials from the Ministry of MSME, including the DC (MSME), JS (ARI), CEO of KVIC, KVIC Member for the North Zone, Member Marketing, and other dignitaries.

In his address, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi highlighted that the Khadi India Pavilion aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Developed India@2047. The pavilion features 225 exhibitors from across the country, showcasing Khadi artisans’ work through Khadi institutions, units under the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), and SFURTI clusters. These exhibits include the finest handicrafts and Khadi and Village Industry products.

The minister also announced KVIC’s upcoming scheme, which aims to promote the New Khadi of New India. This initiative will focus on restructuring the marketing and export of Khadi products while encouraging the involvement of young entrepreneurs and fashion designers. Shri Manjhi observed live demonstrations of traditional practices such as the use of the Desi Charkha, Peti Charkha, electric potter’s wheel, the process of extracting Kachi Ghani oil, and the recycling of temple flowers into incense sticks (Agarbatti and Dhupbatti).

The IITF provides a significant platform for entrepreneurs in the Khadi and village industries sector to display their products to a large audience, creating new opportunities for growth and self-reliance. A special theme pavilion set up by the Center of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK) has become a major attraction among the youth, further fostering interest in Khadi and its innovations.