The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the MSME, Government of India, successfully organized the distribution of toolkits and machinery under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana (GVY) Scheme and inaugurated the state-level Khadi and PMEGP Joint Exhibition in Cuttack, Odisha. The event took place at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium and Christian Sahi Ground on Wednesday.
The event was graced by KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar, Cuttack MP Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, KVIC Eastern Zone Member Shri Manoj Kumar Singh, District Collector of Cuttack Shri Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, and Secretary of Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board Shri Sanjay Kumar Mishra.
At the distribution event held at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, KVIC Chairman Mr. Manoj Kumar distributed 136 electric pottery wheels, 50 honeybee boxes, 40 palm jaggery-making machines, 8 paper plate and bowl-making machines, 1 spice processing unit, 1 hydra pulper and paper mesh-making machine, and 1 Sabai grass-making machine.
Addressing the gathering, KVIC Chairman Mr. Manoj Kumar emphasized KVIC’s commitment to empowering artisans and promoting self-reliance in Odisha, in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “AatmaNirbhar Bharat” and “Vocal for Local.” He stated that these tools and machinery will not only simplify the artisans’ work but also provide them with sustainable livelihood opportunities, contributing to the larger goal of a self-sufficient India.
KVIC Chairman Mr. Manoj Kumar further highlighted the achievements of the “New India’s New Khadi” initiative, which has crossed a business milestone of ₹1.55 lakh crore in the last decade, providing employment to over 10.17 lakh individuals across India.
Cuttack MP Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, in his address, highlighted the significance of Khadi as a symbol of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. He acknowledged the unprecedented support received by Khadi and village industries under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He urged the public to embrace Khadi and local products, contributing to India’s self-reliance movement.
KVIC Eastern Zone Member Shri Manoj Kumar Singh shared insights into the remarkable progress of Odisha’s Khadi sector. He revealed that the state is home to 88 active Khadi institutions, which have produced goods worth ₹86.58 crore and achieved sales of ₹94.40 crore over the past five years, generating employment for approximately 2,277 spinners and weavers. Under the PMEGP scheme, 17,050 new industries have been established in Odisha in the last five years, creating over 1,43,109 job opportunities. Additionally, through the Multi-Disciplinary Training Centre (MDTC) of KVIC Bhubaneswar, 2,444 artisans have been upskilled, and financial assistance is being provided under the Khadi Development Scheme and SFURTI Scheme.
The state-level Khadi and PMEGP Joint Exhibition, inaugurated at Christian Sahi Ground, features 50 Khadi stalls and 50 PMEGP stalls, showcasing a diverse range of products from Khadi institutions, village industries units, and enterprises under PMEGP, REGP, and SFURTI schemes. The exhibition also includes live demonstrations of spinning, Khadi weaving, pottery making, and handmade paper production. The exhibition will remain open to the public until February 6, 2025, providing artisans with valuable market opportunities and promoting indigenous products.
The distribution program witnessed active participation from representatives of Khadi institutions, PMEGP beneficiaries, Khadi workers, and officials from the Odisha Government and KVIC. The event marked a significant step toward promoting and strengthening the Khadi and village industries sector, empowering artisans, and fostering self-reliance in India.
