Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday said that khadi has been a symbol of the labour, dignity and self-respect of millions of Indians since the country’s freedom movement and continues to play a crucial role in building an आत्मनिर्भर (self-reliant) India.
Addressing the Khadi Rozgar Utsav at Siwani in Bhiwani district, the Chief Minister said the event reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vocal for Local” and “Viksit Bharat 2047”, bringing the ideals of self-reliance, employment generation and rural prosperity to the grassroots level.
“Khadi was the symbol of the Swadeshi movement during India’s struggle for independence. Without weapons, it shook the economic foundations of British rule. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the nation the mantra of ‘Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion and Khadi for Transformation’,” Saini said.
During the programme, the Chief Minister personally interacted with beneficiaries from different districts and distributed machinery and tools under various livelihood schemes. Beneficiaries received footwear manufacturing machines, sewing machines, charkhas and equipment for honey production. He also virtually distributed 2,350 bee boxes for beekeeping by pressing an online button during the event.
972 Artisans Receive 3,645 Machines and Toolkits
The Chief Minister announced that under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, a total of 972 artisans across Haryana have been provided 3,645 machines and toolkits. These include electric pottery wheels, bee boxes and bee colonies, sewing machines, wood-turning toolkits, footwear manufacturing machines, charkhas and dona-pattal making machines.
“These machines are not merely equipment; they are instruments that will accelerate the dreams of thousands of families and become the foundation of a new economic revolution in rural Haryana,” he said.
Saini further stated that under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), margin money subsidies worth ₹504.68 crore have been provided to youth and traditional artisans setting up micro-enterprises in rural and urban areas. According to him, this financial support will pave the way for thousands of new enterprises, industries and employment opportunities.
Khadi Sector Witnesses Historic Growth in the Last 12 Years
Highlighting the transformation in the khadi and village industries sector, the Chief Minister said the total turnover of Khadi and Village Industries has increased from around ₹31,000 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1.87 lakh crore today.
He noted that production has increased five-fold and crossed ₹1.25 lakh crore, resulting in higher incomes for millions of families and strengthening rural economies across the country.
“Over the past 12 years, nearly two crore employment opportunities have been generated through khadi and village industries nationwide. The remuneration of khadi artisans has increased four times,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that nearly 80 percent of artisans associated with the khadi sector are women, making it a powerful example of women-led economic empowerment.
“When a woman becomes self-reliant, the entire family, society and nation move forward,” he remarked.
Haryana Moving Towards a Self-Reliant Rural Economy
According to the Chief Minister, Haryana currently has 96 active khadi and village industry institutions, providing employment to approximately 58,796 artisans. Additionally, more than 1.27 lakh people have secured employment through the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana.
So far, 5,533 machines and toolkits have been distributed under the scheme, reflecting the state’s commitment to strengthening rural entrepreneurship and local industries.
Saini also revealed that over the last 12 years, 18,683 new units have been established in Haryana under PMEGP with the support of nearly ₹638 crore in margin money subsidies, generating more than 1.5 lakh jobs.
National-Level Handloom Training Institute to Be Set Up in Panipat
To further strengthen the handloom sector, the Chief Minister announced that a national-level Handloom Training Institute will be established on 10 acres of land in Panipat during the current financial year.
He also announced the establishment of a modern Gram Haat in every block to improve marketing opportunities for products manufactured by Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Under the Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, more than 20,000 rural youth will receive skill training and be connected with employment and self-employment opportunities.
Employment Opportunities Must Reach Villages
Emphasising balanced development, Saini said that employment opportunities must be created within villages so that young people are not forced to migrate in search of work.
“Our goal is to develop a network of skill development centres, self-employment opportunities and small-scale industries in every village. The dream of a developed India cannot be realised without the development of villages,” he said.
Khadi Holds Immense Potential for the Future
The Chief Minister said the future of khadi and village industries is bright, particularly as younger generations increasingly prefer environmentally sustainable products.
“Khadi is one of the most eco-friendly products available today. Haryana’s educated and technologically skilled youth should come forward with innovative ideas in modern design, branding, packaging and digital marketing of khadi products,” he said.
Assuring full government support, Saini said the state government remains committed to providing financial, administrative and technical assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs and artisans.
He concluded by urging citizens to embrace khadi, promote indigenous products and contribute to employment generation and the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
