MPs praise Khadi and hope for global expansion at KVIC's "Kaadi Haat" launch

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Jan 30, 2018

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) have launched India’s first Khadi Haat in Connaught Place that sells Indian made Khadi clothing, accessories, and lifestyle items.

The 69th India Republic Day was chosen for the inauguration of India’s first Khadi Haat, a specialised shop where everything is made by KVIC approved Khadi manufacturers. The event was hosted by the Union Minister of State Giriraj Singh and a host of politicians including New Delhi Lok Sabha MP Meenakshi Lekhi, KVIC Chairman V K Saxena, NDMC Chairman Naresh Kumar, Secretary in Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) A K Panda, and KVIC member Hina Shafi Bhatt. The fashion designer Ritu Beri, who is known for her use of Khadi textiles, also attended the event.

At the inauguration on January 25, Singh said, "Khadi has not only become the favourite fabric for one and all, it has also showcased its presence right from the sleepy hamlets to mega malls of cosmopolitan cities… Music, spirituality and lights at the Khadi Haat will certainly provide a cosy atmosphere to buyers. KVIC has been making all efforts to popularise its products across the globe through its sales outlets and marketing avenues." The MP Meenakshi Lekhi agreed with Singh’s sentiments and also thanked the efforts of the NDMC and KVIC saying "Khadi is a novel idea and we all should try to propagate it across the globe."

The aim of the Khadi Haat is to raise awareness of Khadi products and promote their manufacture as part of the government’s “Make in India” campaign. "In this Khadi Haat, entrepreneurs under Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) will get an opportunity to display and sell their exquisite products," said KVIC Chairman V K Saxena. "It will also provide better platform as well as source of earning for the artisans."