ADB to offer $150-mn loan to revive khadi

Top fashion designers to add glamour to the fabric.

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) will soon get a $150-million aid by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as the Khadi Reform Development Package (KRDP).

“The KRDP, which is aimed at invigorating the khadi institutions in the country, will start this fiscal,” KVIC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) JS Mishra told Business Standard.

The bank would route the funds over three years to the commission through the central government, he said.

The aid would assist in replacement of obsolete looms used by poor weavers, artisans and spinners and strengthen the grassroots khadi societies. “The new looms will have the capacity to prepare 200 metres of khadi fabric per day.”

Besides, the commission is roping in top Indian fashion designers to add glamour to the fabric and has collaborated with reputed institutes, such as the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), the National Institute of Design (NID) and the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT).

“We will invite bids from fashion designers and event managers to organise fashion shows, exhibitions and other programmes to popularise khadi among the masses, especially youth,” he added.

Meanwhile, a Khadi Design Centre will be set up in Mumbai this year, to help the budding fashion designers focus on khadi to hone their skills and showcase their talent.

“KVIC is taking steps to revive khadi and usher in a ‘renaissance’ in the sector. Already, the Indian youth has taken a fancy for the fabric,” Mishra added.

KVIC is running a scheme known as Product Development, Design Intervention and Packaging (PRODIP) to encourage institutional and individual research on khadi apparels and novel marketing ideas.

There are about 7,000 KVIC outlets in the country and the commission is modernising them at a cost of Rs 175 crore.

The commission provides Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate (ISEC) to select weavers and artisans, who get working capital at a mere 4 per cent interest. Such artisans are shortlisted by the State Level Budget Team (SLBT), which clears their proposal.