09 June,2009 08:40 AM IST | | PTI
Khadi, the fabric which became synonymous with the country's freedom struggle, received a boost with the Asian Development Bank granting it a fund of USD 115 million over the next three years for quality development, marketing development and training of artisans.
Speaking to reporters here today, chairperson of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Kumud Ben Joshi said, "For the first time in the history of KVIC we have got a grant of USD 115 million which will be spent exclusively on the betterment of Khadi," she said here today.
The KVIC chairperson during her recent visit to Uttar Pradesh visited Rae Bareli, Sultanpur and Amethi to review the progress of the works undertaken by the commission in the state.
On the question on the falling status of Khadi, Joshi quipped, "As per the activities being carried out by 512 KVIC certified institutions in UP during 2008-09, the production touched Rs 152.83 crore, sales were Rs 242.34 crore and 3.52 lakh people were employed."
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"As far as the village industries are concerned, the production was worth Rs 1908.24 crore, sales worth Rs 2551.39 crore and over 12 lakh people got employment through this," said the KVIC chairperson.
She also said that the KVIC has set a target to employ more than 40 lakh people by the year 2011-12 and said, "We are targeting the youth and using organic colours for our fabrics."u00a0 President Ron Somers said.
