By Aleem Shaikh (Vile Parle West)

In line with the clarion call given by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister that before Independence the slogan was, “Khadi for Nation, but now it should be ‘Khadi for Fashion”. KVIC is setting up modern high end Khadi outlet named Khadi lounge which will showcase designer line of garments and exclusive fabric for men and women in major metropolitan cities. The first of these outlets has been designed and set up in the premises of KVIC at Vile Parle, Mumbai. The designer wear includes high fashion garments including ready to wear designed by Ritu Beri, the acclaimed fashion designer.

This store will provide Khadi a niche among the fashion conscious Mumbaikars and trend conscious youth with modern hand spun fabric and garments. Similar such high end stores have been set up in Delhi and Jaipur also which will be inaugurated during the month. The idea of Lounge series of Khadi outlet is to showcase Countries best handcrafted fabric and products in the modern outlet.

• Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary, MoS, MSME Govt. of India on his Maiden visit to Central Office KVIC said that buying one piece of cloth will generate employment for one artisan. He said, as on today MSME is generating 94% employment and only 4% is done by public sector. Not only this, 65% of GDP growth is from MSME sector. Walking with pace of time all the product information, procure system is being developed digitally.
  He also informed that entrepreneurs ZED (zero defects, zero effect) movement is being taken up by MSME “At least 10 lakh units should come forward. We have set 50 parameters to meet ZED certification standard. The banks are instructed for generated one entrepreneur from SC/ST and women from each branch, he added.
  Creating healthy completion for quality production is another agenda of MSME. For this five types of awards will be given to increase to best performer from MSME sector, he added. On this occasion he also released KVIC Diary and Calendar of 2017.

Commenting on this initiative Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chairman KVIC said, the Khadi lounge will be opened at Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur which will stock premium collection varieties of elegant, stylish Khadi silk and newly designed Ready-mades which will satisfy the quest of Khadi lovers. With this KVIC reconfirms its commitment towards ‘Make in India’ initiative and aligned with Prime Minister’s vision for Khadi. This will create multiple employment opportunities and will empower the artisans, especially women in rural India by selling their premium products.”
Shri Saxena also informed about launching of cashless digital payment system like Paytm.
Ms Usha Suresh, CEO, KVIC said “KVIC has taken this initiative to implement the mission of our Prime Minister for making of Khadi, a fashionable garment. This lounge will cater to the taste of the fashionistas and will promote the sales of khadi to a significant extent and empowering the artisans and enriching their livelihood”.