KVIC Announces 20% Wage Hike for Khadi Artisans
A significant press conference was held on Tuesday at the Rajghat office of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in New Delhi. KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar announced a 20% wage increase for Khadi artisans, effective April 1, 2025. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the sector, as it aims to enhance the livelihoods of those involved in Khadi production. Currently, spinners earn Rs 12.50 per hank, which will rise to Rs 15, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting artisans.
Historic Wage Increases Over the Years
During the press conference, Chairman Manoj Kumar highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to uplift Khadi artisans. Over the past decade, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s leadership, the wages for Khadi artisans have seen remarkable growth. The wage for spinning has increased from Rs 7.50 to Rs 10 per hank in April 2023, then to Rs 12.50 in September 2024, and will reach Rs 15 per hank by April 2025. This cumulative increase represents a staggering 275% rise in wages over the last 11 years, showcasing the government’s dedication to improving the economic conditions of artisans.
Successful Khadi and Village Industries Exhibition
Shri Manoj Kumar also announced the upcoming national-level Khadi and Village Industries Exhibition, scheduled to take place during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj from January 14 to February 27, 2025. This event aims to promote Khadi products and celebrate the achievements of the sector. The previous exhibition saw a historic sale of Khadi products worth Rs 12.02 crore, with 98 Khadi and 54 Village Industries stalls participating. The sales figures included Rs 9.76 crore from Khadi products and Rs 2.26 crore from Village Industries, underscoring the growing popularity of Khadi in the market.
Khadi’s Modern Renaissance
In an effort to modernize Khadi’s image, KVIC has launched a campaign dubbed ‘Khadi for Fashion,’ inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a ‘Khadi Renaissance.’ This initiative includes fashion shows in major cities such as Nagpur, Pune, and Chennai, aimed at attracting younger generations to Khadi as a contemporary clothing option. These events have successfully redefined Khadi’s identity, positioning it as a fashionable choice for modern consumers. Chairman Kumar noted that the sales of Khadi and Village Industry products have quintupled over the last decade, rising from Rs 31,000 crore to Rs 1,55,000 crore in the financial year 2023-24, with Khadi clothing sales increasing sixfold.
As the KVIC continues to promote Khadi, the organization anticipates setting new records in production and sales for the financial year 2024-25. Chairman Kumar emphasized that the Khadi revolution has transformed Khadi from merely a fabric into a cornerstone of economic empowerment for rural India.
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