Kerala govt plans modernisation programmes for khadi sector

Kochi, Aug 17 (PTI) In a bid to boost the state’skhadi industry, Kerala government is planning to introducemodernisation and mechanisation programmes for the sector withan aim to generate employment for people particularly invillage areas. An official in the Kerala Khadi and Village IndustriesBoard said the government had instituted schemes to enhancethe production of khadi clothes. "Now the kerala government plans to chalk outspecialised schemes to enhance remuneration to khadi workersand artisans by introducing partial mechanisation in thefield," board’s Financial Advisor and Chief Accounts Officer MMuhammed Haris said. A report on the khadi sector submitted by Padmasree PGopinathan Nair Committee has pointed out that modernisationof the sector was the need of the hour for the betterment ofliving standard of artisans and workers associated with it. "The introduction of modern charka has helped enhancethe working conditions of workers in khadi sector," Harissaid. He said the Kerala government was on the path ofproducing khadi clothes worth Rs 70 crore and achieving atargeted sales of Rs 154 crore during the current fiscal. Officials in the board said efforts being made by thestate government to boost the production and sales of khadiclothes had resulted in skilled employment generation in thesector. It has been estimated that there are about 12,800workers in the field of spinning and weaving of khadi clothes. The Introduction of Minimum Wages in the form ofIncome Support Scheme and incentives offered have attractedworkers — mostly women — to take employment in this sector. During the financial year 2015-16, the stategovernment had given Rs 27 crore towards Income Support Schemeand Rs 4 crore for incentive bonus on account of productionfor khadi spinners and weavers. Moreover, Rs 22.13 crore isgiven as rebate for Khadi clothes. In addition to this, the Central Government have givenMarketing Development Assistance (MDA) through Khadi andVillage Industries Commission (KVIC) for the development andwell being of those who are engaged in khadi sector. PTI TGBVS MKJKK