Khadi quickly emerging as new avenue of lucrative start-up: Union Minister Jitendra Singh

Udhampur, Feb 13 (KNN) Due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts, the popularity of Khadi is increasing across the world and it is emerging as a new and lucrative startup avenue, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday.

The Union minister was addressing the North Zone level programme organised by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), wherein subsidy margin amount of more than Rs.100 Crore was distributed online to beneficiaries and entrepreneurs spread across the North Indian States and UTs of J&K, Ladakh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister expressed disappointment that while the startup movement had picked up in other parts of the country, it was yet to pick up in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said, the worth of Khadi for entrepreneurship and industry is being realised more and more. He recalled that Prime Minister through his radio broadcast "Mann Ki Baat" had appealed on several occasions to buy khadi, as a result of which now there has been a record sale of Khadi products and also manifold increase in export of Khadi.

Distribution of money subsidy of Rs 100.55 crore to 3,490 beneficiaries of Northern Region (Jammu & Kashmir (UT), Ladakh (UT), Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi) against the sanctioned loan of about Rs 165.83 crore, in which margin money grant amount of Rs 47.47 crore was disbursed to 2369 beneficiaries of Jammu & Kashmir.

Speaking on the occasion, KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar said that the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Program is playing a crucial role in realising the dream of a self-reliant India. He said, Khadi and Village Industries Commission through its various programs are generating employment opportunities for artisans at their door steps in remote areas at very low cost.

A live demonstration of agarbatti production, the potters' wheel, and handicrafts and stalls was erected by PMEGP beneficiaries. KVIC is providing all support they need to improve their ability, productivity, and access to new markets.  (KNN Bureau)