IT News
Imphal, Sept 20:
On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) announced major benefits for Khadi artisans. KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar revealed that from October 2, 2024, wages for spinners will increase by 25%, while weavers will see a 7% hike. This announcement was made during an event at Asmavati Riverfront in Porbandar, marking Modi’s 100 days in office in his third term.
The event also saw the unveiling of a 26-foot-long stainless steel “Memorial Charkha,” symbolizing India’s Khadi heritage. Manoj Kumar highlighted that this was the second wage hike for artisans during his tenure, noting that spinners’ wages had already risen from Rs 7.50 to Rs 10 per hank in April 2023.
During the event, KVIC also distributed Rs 101 crore in margin money subsidies to 3,911 beneficiaries under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), creating 43,021 jobs. Additionally, 1,100 new PMEGP units were inaugurated through video conferencing.
Kumar emphasized that under Modi’s leadership, Khadi has seen unprecedented growth, with turnover surpassing Rs 1.55 lakh crore in the last fiscal year. He reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering rural India, especially women, who make up 80% of Khadi artisans.
