Vide a new notification; the Indian government has reestablished the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, the nodal agency for promoting khadi fabric in the country.

“1018 Khadi and Village Industries Institutions are registered as members, while KVIC was granted Deemed Export Promotion Council status in December 2006,” a PIB press release informed.

5 per cent of the free on board value or Rs 10 lakh, whichever is less, is provided as incentive for KVI units which undertake direct exports.

In addition, KVIC encourages Khadi and Village Industries to participate in international trade fairs by subsidising 75 per cent of the airfare and 50 per cent of stall rent to augment export of their products.

In case of women entrepreneurs & institutions like ST, SC and NE States, air fare and stall rent are extended to the extent of 100 per cent subject to maximum limit of Rs 1.25 lakh each.

“The Ministry of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises too is implementing a number of schemes for the holistic development and promotion of khadi,” the press release added.

These include; strengthening of infrastructure of existing weak Khadi Institutions and assistance for marketing infrastructure provides for renovation of khadi sales outlets.

The ministry also offers market promotion and development assistance, under which assistance is provided at 30 per cent of prime cost of cost to be shared among artisans, producing and selling institutions.

There is also an interest subsidy eligibility certification scheme for providing bank loans for khadi and polyvastra at 4 per cent rate of interest.

The ministry also provides Workshed Scheme for khadi artisans for providing assistance for construction of worksheds.

The Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries assists in replacement of obsolete equipments, setting up common facility centres, product development and market promotion.

Under the scheme, 71 such clusters are to be set up during the 12th Plan period, while 26 clusters have been given final approval for establishing so far.

The Khadi Reforms and Development Programme is to revitalise the khadi sector with enhanced sustainability of khadi and in turn increase incomes and employment for spinners and weavers.

KVIC too is taking various steps to promote khadi by tying up with ecommerce portals, big malls etc. to promote khadi and increase its sale.

The agency is producing and selling new designer ready to wear clothes focused on youth like Khadi Denim, Khadi t-shirts, etc.