Karnataka govt staff to wear Khadi on all first Saturdays

Bengaluru: Karnataka government officers and employees will wear Khadi clothes to office on the first Saturday of every month as part of a state-level initiative to promote the indigenous fabric and related products.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, which was attended by the representatives of various government departments, boards, corporations and employee associations.

The initiative will be formally launched on the Government Employees’ Day on April 21, 2026.

The move is aimed at increasing the visibility and use of Khadi among public servants and strengthening support for the Khadi and Village Industries sector. An additional five per cent discount will be extended over and above the existing concessions available to employees to help  purchase Khadi garments from government-run Khadi and Village Industries Board outlets, according to a press release.

While the suggested attire for male employees is Khadi shirts, trousers, overcoats and other formal wear, female employees may wear Khadi or Khadi silk sarees, chudidars and other formal outfits.

The state government is expected to issue an official circular detailing the implementation.

The meeting also discussed the various employee welfare measures alongside the promotion of Khadi.

A proposal to establish a Government Employees’ Canteen through Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL), on the lines of defence canteens, was mooted to supply essential commodities and daily-use goods at concessional rates. The scheme is likely to be included in the upcoming State Budget (2026-27).

Also, the additional 5% special discount currently provided by the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) to IAS officers for the purchase of silk sarees and fabrics will be extended to all state government officers and employees.