Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, a state-level PMEGP (Prime Minister Employment Generation Program) exhibition was inaugurated on February 23, 2025, at PWD Ground, New Sanghvi, Pune. KVIC Chairman Mr. Manoj Kumar and MLA Mr. Shankar Bhau Jagtap graced the occasion. The exhibition, featuring over 60 Khadi and Village Industries units, will continue until March 2, 2025.
Also Read: PM Modi Praises Bihar’s Dairy and Fisheries Achievements
Empowering Artisans Through Equipment Distribution
Under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, 674 pieces of equipment were distributed to 470 artisans, including:
- 300 electric potter’s wheels for potters
- 300 bee boxes and colonies for beekeepers
- Waste wood craft toolkits, dona pattal-making machines, leather manufacturing machines, and electrician toolkits for artisans from Pune, Jalgaon, Dhule, Nanded, Ahmednagar, and Solapur.
KVIC’s Contribution to Khadi Growth
Addressing the gathering, KVIC Chairman Mr. Manoj Kumar highlighted a fivefold increase in Khadi and Village Industries sales, from Rs. 31,000 crore to Rs. 1,55,000 crore in 10 years, and a 213% rise in artisans’ income. He noted women’s 80% contribution to Khadi production. Currently, 3,19,014 people are employed through 34 Khadi institutions, 38,694 PMEGP units, and 13 SFURTI clusters in Maharashtra.
National Participation & Global Recognition
Entrepreneurs from 12 states are participating in the exhibition, which also features a Khadi fashion show and live product demonstrations, showcasing Khadi’s growing global appeal.
Also Read: KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar Inaugurates “Khadi: The Fabric of Freedom” Exhibition
