New Delhi, Nov 15 (KNN) Union Minister of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Nitin Gadkari has lauded Khadi and said that these glimpses of the later is a new experience which was never seen before.

Speaking after the inauguration of the Khadi Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair - IITF in New Delhi here on Thursday, Gadkari said, ''Khadi is experiencing a never-seen-before transformation. Inclusive growth of village industries plays a key role in the development of the country.''

Later, he also informed that various steps, such as promotion of pottery at railway stations, ban on import of agarbattis, ban on import of National Flag, new HS Code for 11 khadi products, opening of new Khadi stores, development of centralised Government Supply module etc., have been taken to ensure that the Indian Village Industry Products are promoted.

KKN India explored the several Khadi store installed at the trade fair and also spoke to some potters where one potter said railway must start using of 'Kulhar' clay cups.

"The government and KVIC are doing tremendous jobs in promoting Khadi. This is our brand and we shouldn't be hesitating while promoting it. Let the world know Khadi is not less than any other brand. We expect government to introduce more measures to promote Khadi,'' said a Khadi staller to KNN India.

''Presently, like others, we too are facing difficulties while earning our livelihood. If railway starts using clay cups then surely our business will flourish and hundreds of poor potters who come from marginalised backgrounds won't have to struggle for their survival. Railway must use these earthen cups to replace plastic cups,'' a potter said.

Chairman KVIC VK Saxena underlined the success of Khadi, saying that Khadi is essentially the spirit of the Indianness. He said, Khadi recalls the presence of Mahatma and his vision around us, and the nation grows with the growth of Khadi.

Commemorating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma, the Khadi Pavilion at the IITF has a bust of Mahatma Gandhi as a selfie point, showcases around 30 stalls of Artisans, Craftsmen, Institutions and PMEGP units from all over the country, who are participating in this trade fair. KVIC has also arranged live demos of Charkha, electric potter wheel, agarbatti making and other technological interventions for showcasing ‘éase of doing businesses (EoDB) in the Khadi Activities.

A wide range of products which includes food, handicrafts, leather, textiles and hosiery, readymade garments, wooden toys, cosmetics and herbal products offering a discount of up to 20% are being displayed in the Khadi Pavilion at IITF 2019.

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