Kerala govt plans modernisation programmes for khadi sector

Modernisation of khadi is need of the hour for betterment of living standard of artisan and workers associated with it, said Padamshree P Gopinath Nair

In a bid to boost the state's khadi industry, Kerala government is planning to introduce modernisation and mechanisation programmes for the sector with an aim to generate employment for people particularly in village areas.

An official in the Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board said the government had instituted schemes to enhance the production of khadi clothes.

"Now the kerala government plans to chalk out specialised schemes to enhance remuneration to khadi workers and artisans by introducing partial mechanisation in the field," board's Financial Advisor and Chief Accounts Officer M Muhammed Haris said.

A report on the khadi sector submitted by Padmasree P Gopinathan Nair Committee has pointed out that modernisation of the sector was the need of the hour for the betterment of living standard of artisans and workers associated with it.

"The introduction of modern charka has helped enhance the working conditions of workers in khadi sector," Haris said.

He said the Kerala government was on the path of producing khadi clothes worth Rs 70 crore and achieving a targeted sales of Rs 154 crore during the current fiscal.

Officials in the board said efforts being made by the state government to boost the production and sales of khadi clothes had resulted in skilled employment generation in the sector.

It has been estimated that there are about 12,800 workers in the field of spinning and weaving of khadi clothes.

The Introduction of Minimum Wages in the form of Income Support Scheme and incentives offered have attracted workers — mostly women — to take employment in this sector.

During the financial year 2015-16, the state government had given Rs 27 crore towards Income Support Scheme and Rs 4 crore for incentive bonus on account of production for khadi spinners and weavers.Moreover, Rs 22.13 crore is given as rebate for Khadi clothes.

In addition to this, the Central Government have given Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) through Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) for the development and well being of those who are engaged in khadi sector.