Shettar bats for weekly Khadi dress for govt employees

Former chief minister Jagadish Shettar has urged the government to make wearing Khadi clothes once in a week mandatory for its employees, to promote the Khadi sector.

"I wanted to make this happen when I was the chief minister, but could not do so due to paucity of time. If lakhs of government employees wear Khadi clothes once in a week, Khadi sector would be rejuvenated, while educational institutes can also do so, and it would motivate students also," he said.

Speaking at the inauguration of a week-long Khadi and village industries exhibition-cum sale, organised by the Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS), at Indira Glass in the City on Monday, MLA noted that he would raise this issue in the session of the Legislative Assembly, and a request would be made to the Union Government also.

When I was the rural development and panchayat raj minister, I issued a circular to use books instead of garlands during the felicitations, and that was successful. Government employees can also be instructed to wear Khadi dress once in a week, in the same manner, Shettar said.

'Create brand image'

"Khadi products lack proper publicity and marketing. To attract more people, Khadi should be made a brand, while marketing should be improved. Khadi clothes are now available in different designs and colours, and this can attract the youth also. 'Patanjali' products are an example for how Swadeshi goods can be marketed well, if a brand name is created," Shttar added.

KKGSS chairman and veteran journalist Patil Puttappa, who inaugurated the exhibition, stated that Khadi was a powerful weapon to fight against the British rule, and it is still giving jobs to a lot of people. He also highlighted the importance of Dharwad district in Khadi sector, where the national flag is also being produced.

Rs 64 cr turnover in region

KVIC state director P Nallamuthu noted that 145 Khadi institutes in the State have Rs 235 crore annual turnover, and they have given job to 23,500 people. Among them, 66 Khadi institutes are in North Karnataka region, and their annual turnover is Rs 64 crore, while they have given work to 10,750 people. he explained.

The Pradhan Mantrei Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is being implemented to promote self-employment in KIhadi sector, he added.

Hubballi-Dharwad Mayor Sudhir Saraf, Corporator Mohan Hiremani, KVIC divisional director S L Masur, KKGSS secretary Shivanand Mathapati, and others were present.

At around 35 stalls, Khadi institutes, village industry units, and other entreprises under the PMEGP are showcasing their products in the exhibition which is open till January 13.