KVIC Empowers Artisans in Maharashtra: Distributes Toolkits for Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision

Nashik: In line with the vision of building a ‘developed and Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by 2047, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, distributed high-quality toolkits to artisans in Maharashtra after providing modern training. The distribution program, held at the Democracy Convention Center on Trimbak Road, Satpur, Nashik, witnessed the distribution of 449 machinery and toolkits to 240 artisans and certificates to 250 trainees under the Gram Udyog Vikas Yojana.

KVIC’s Chairman, Shri Manoj Kumar, served as the chief guest and distributed various toolkits, including electrician toolkits to 20 women who were trained in Shrirampur, Ahmednagar. This marked a significant step forward as these women received specialized toolkits for the first time after completing their training.

The distribution program featured the allocation of electric operated wheels to 120 potters, Kachchi Ghani oil machines to 50 artisans, electrician toolkits to 20 women, 4 paper plate and dona making machines to 20 artisans, and 300 Bee-boxes to 30 beekeepers. Addressing the beneficiaries, Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar emphasized the implementation of various KVIC schemes, guided by the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to provide employment and sustain traditional industries in rural areas.

Under schemes like Workshed for Khadi Artisans, KRDP, Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme, Sfurti, and Gram Udyog Vikas Yojana, KVIC has played a pivotal role in uplifting rural artisans. Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar highlighted the positive impact of schemes such as Potter Empowerment Programme, Honey Mission, Leather Industry, Agarbatti Industry, Hand Paper Industry, Turn Wood Craft, Electricians & Plumbers, and others in the service sector.

The event underscored the success of KVIC’s initiatives in Maharashtra, where 33 Khadi institutions are providing employment to 1400 Khadi artisans. In the last three years, 700 electric operated wheels have been distributed to potters, contributing to increased living standards and income. The distribution of toolkits and machinery has positively impacted the lives of artisans in various sectors.

KVIC’s Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar interacted directly with artisans, highlighting the distribution of electric operated wheels to over 27 thousand potters nationwide under the Gram Udyog Vikas Yojan, leading to significant changes in their lives. The Honey Mission Scheme has distributed over 2 lakh Bee-boxes and Bee-Colonies to more than 20,000 beneficiaries, fostering beekeeping activities.

In his presidential address, Shri Manoj Kumar emphasized the global popularity of Khadi and village industry products, attributing it to the Modi government’s guarantees. The ‘Naye Bharta ki Nayi khadi’ initiative in the last nine years has propelled the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Campaign’, witnessing a four-fold increase in Khadi product sales. The turnover of Khadi and village industry products surpassed Rs. 1.34 lakh crore, generating over 9.50 lakh new employments.

The event, attended by representatives of Khadi institutions, Khadi workers, and artisans, highlighted the success of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make in India’ mantras, making Khadi popular among the youth. The increased turnover of Khadi and village industry products has significantly contributed to the economic prosperity of rural artisans.

In conclusion, the distribution program celebrated the achievements of KVIC’s initiatives and the transformative impact on the lives of artisans, aligning with the broader goal of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat.