Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Hon’ble Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Labour & Employment, visited the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) office in Bengaluru, where she reiterated the Centre’s commitment to strengthening rural industry and artisan welfare under the national mission of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.
Addressing a programme at the MDTC Campus, KVIC Bengaluru, the Minister underscored the importance of empowering poor and marginalized artisans—especially from SC/ST, tribal, and hilly regions—by reviving traditional industries and expanding market access through strategic government schemes.
KVIC Performance Reflects Rural Economic Growth
The Minister highlighted the phenomenal growth of the Khadi and Village Industries (KVI) sector, which has achieved a production turnover of ₹1,16,599.75 crore and retail sales of ₹1,70,551.37 crore, creating employment for 1.94 crore individuals nationwide.
Comparing figures from the past decade, she noted:
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447% growth in sales
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347% growth in production
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49% increase in employment
These numbers, she said, reflect the government’s unwavering support to the sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, which she described as “Modi Ki Guarantee” for artisan welfare and national self-reliance.
Khadi: A Symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Minister Karandlaje hailed Khadi as the soul of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and emphasized its revival not just as a fabric but as a movement driving self-employment and rural economic independence. Karnataka has become a significant contributor in this mission, with 208 Khadi Institutions recording:
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Production worth ₹535.21 crore
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Retail sales of ₹667.95 crore
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Employment for 21,745 rural artisans
PMEGP and Skill Development Empowering Youth and Women
The Minister detailed the success of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) in Karnataka, which disbursed ₹132.41 crore in margin money to 4,379 beneficiaries, creating 43,557 jobs across the state.
In addition, the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana (GVY) facilitated the distribution of:
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1,916 tools and machines
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To 1,210 beneficiaries
Covering verticals such as: -
Honey Mission
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Pottery wheels
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Electricians, plumbers, footwear artisans
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Sewing and agarbatti machine operators
These tools, she said, will help rural entrepreneurs produce quality goods, enhance income stability, and promote the Make in India vision.
Infrastructure and Legal Support Initiatives
Addressing concerns raised by KVIC officials, the Minister confirmed that the Cauvery Water Connection issue in Bengaluru has been taken up with BWSSB and is expected to be resolved soon. She also instructed KVIC to expedite resolution of pending court cases regarding land disputes, ensuring smooth functioning of institutional operations.
A Global Vision for Khadi
Minister Karandlaje reiterated that schemes like PMEGP, MMDA, KRDP, and Work-Shed Scheme are not only reviving Khadi but also globalizing it as a brand of economic pride and sustainability. She stated that the Government’s long-term vision is to weave Khadi into the global market, ensuring future generations continue to associate it with self-respect, identity, and opportunity.
Engagement and Encouragement at Ground Level
During her visit, the Minister interacted with:
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KVIC senior officials
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Representatives from NBCC India
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Executives from Khadi institutions
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Trainees undergoing skill development programs
She distributed Skill Development Training Certificates, encouraging youth and artisans to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s grassroots economy.
