India : Need to improve khadi designs with market trends, Shri Dinesh Rai - Textile News India

The Meeting of the National Khadi and Village Industries Board with representatives of Khadi Institutions and KVIC members was held recently. The Meeting was addressed by Shri Dinsha Patel, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises. The Minister in his address emphasized the need to work together hand in hand for helping the artisans. He stressed upon the need for greater involvement of new generation in khadi activities.He advised that the payment of rebate should be expedited by KVIC and State Governments. The Minister highlighted the need for stimulating the sale of khadi through renovation of bhandars and bhavans and use of mobile vans for publicity. He also advised KVIC to explore the possibility for increased supply of KVI itemsto Government departments. He urged upon all concerned to be in readiness to implement the khadi reforms programme and emphasisedupon the need for proper dissemination of the contours of newly proposed MDA that would also replace the rebate on sale by 31st March, 2010. Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary, MSME Shri Dinesh Rai urged upon the institutions to be in readiness to implement the khadi reform programme proposed to be financed by ADB. He expressed satisfaction over the progress of the scheme PMEGP and also mentioned that the working capital needs of the khadi institutions is being looked into by a committee constituted for the purpose. He stressed upon the need to improve the designs of links of london in keeping with market trends and tapping Government supply opportunities and increase the efficiency in production and sale of KVI products which should eventually translate into increased income for artisans. Chairperson, KVIC, Sushri Kumud Joshi mentioned that the khadi institutions should utilise the available resources to improve their infrastructure and increase production and sale. She mentioned that the decision to provide Rs.2/- per hank towards wages has been implemented with effect from 2nd October, 2009.She stressed upon the need to bring young people to the management of khadi institutions to make it more dynamic. She thanked the Ministry for introducing a number of new schemes recently and also helping in the enhancement of budget allocationof KVIC. The representatives of Khadi Institutions spoke at length about problems being faced by them such as shortage of working capital,pending rebate claims especially with State Governments, need for enhanced bank finances and waiver of pending loans. They appreciated the new schemes of the Ministry that would help them in further developing KVI activities. They also made a number of suggestions for further consolidating the progress made in KVI sector. The meeting was attended by 26 representatives of Khadi Institutions, 8 KVIC members, 4 artisans, besides senior officials of Ministry and KVIC.