PMEGP Exhibition Launches New Era for Khadi
Mumbai, February 25, 2025 – A significant milestone in promoting Khadi and village industries was marked with the grand inauguration of the state-level Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) exhibition on February 23, 2025, at PWD Ground, New Sanghvi, Pune. The event, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision for a “Naye Bharat ki Nayi Khadi,” featured the participation of over 60 Khadi and village industry units. The exhibition is set to run until March 2, 2025, showcasing the rich heritage and potential of Khadi products.
Empowering Artisans with Modern Tools
During the inauguration, a total of 674 pieces of equipment were distributed to 470 artisans who had undergone training under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana. This included 300 electric potter’s wheels for potters, 300 bee boxes and colonies for beekeepers, and various toolkits for artisans engaged in woodcraft, leather manufacturing, and electrical work. The distribution spanned multiple districts, including Pune, Jalgaon, Dhule, Nanded, Ahmednagar, and Solapur. Earlier in February, a similar initiative saw 584 machines and toolkits provided to 314 artisans in Bhandara district, further emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting local craftsmanship.
Government Officials Praise Khadi Initiatives
MLA Shankar Jagtap and MLA Uma Girish Khapre attended the event, expressing their admiration for the Khadi and village industries. They toured the exhibition stalls alongside KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar, commending the efforts of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in equipping rural artisans with modern tools and training. Their support highlights the importance of government initiatives in enhancing the livelihoods of artisans and promoting sustainable practices within the community.
Significant Growth in Khadi Sector
KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar addressed the audience, noting the remarkable growth in the Khadi sector over the past decade. He reported that sales of Khadi and village industry products have surged from ₹31,000 crore to ₹1,55,000 crore, with a sixfold increase in Khadi clothing sales. The sector has created over 10 lakh jobs in the last financial year alone, with artisan incomes rising by 213% in the past ten years. Kumar emphasized the crucial role of women, who contribute over 80% to the Khadi sector, showcasing its significance as a symbol of national identity.
Showcasing Eco-Friendly Khadi Products
The exhibition not only highlighted the diverse range of Khadi products but also featured a fashion show that showcased innovative designs aimed at placing Khadi on the global stage. Visitors had the opportunity to witness live demonstrations of the manufacturing processes behind these eco-friendly products. The event attracted representatives from various Khadi institutions and beneficiaries of the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, further solidifying the collaborative effort to promote indigenous craftsmanship and sustainable practices.
As the PMEGP exhibition continues until March 2, it stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to empowering artisans and revitalizing the Khadi industry, ensuring its relevance in today’s market.
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