In a grand inauguration ceremony inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the state-level PMEGP (Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme) exhibition was launched at PWD Ground, New Sanghvi, Pune, on Sunday, February 23, 2025. The event aims to give a new dimension to ‘Naye Bharat ki Nayi Khadi’, promoting Khadi and Village Industries on a larger platform. The exhibition, organised by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, witnessed the presence of KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar and MLA Shri Shankar Bhau Jagtap. Over 60 Khadi and Village Industry units participated in the event, which will continue until March 2, 2025. Empowering Artisans Through Skill Development & Modern Equipment As part of the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, the event saw the distribution of 674 pieces of equipment to 470 trained artisans across Maharashtra, fostering employment and skill development. Among the key allocations were: 300 electric potter’s wheels distributed to potters 300 bee boxes and colonies provided to 30 beekeepers 40 waste wood craft toolkits 4 dona pattal (leaf plate) making machines benefiting 20 artisans 10 leather manufacturing machines 20 electrician toolkits These were distributed to artisans from Pune, Jalgaon, Dhule, Nanded, Ahmednagar, and Solapur districts, reinforcing KVIC’s commitment to grassroots entrepreneurship. Earlier, on February 10, 584 machines and toolkits had been distributed to 314 artisans in Bhandara district, Vidarbha. Recognition & Appreciation for Khadi’s Growth and Innovation The event was attended by MLA Shankar Jagtap (Chinchwad) and MLA Uma Girish Khapre (Pimpri-Chinchwad), who praised KVIC’s initiatives in supporting rural artisans with modern toolkits and skill training. They toured the exhibition stalls alongside KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar, appreciating the handcrafted, eco-friendly products and KVIC’s efforts in uplifting rural entrepreneurship. Addressing the gathering, Shri Manoj Kumar credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Brand Shakti’ for the remarkable five-fold growth in Khadi and Village Industry sales over the last decade. Key achievements included: Khadi and Village Industry product sales surged from Rs 310 billion to Rs 1550 billion Khadi clothing sales increased six-fold from Rs 10 billion to Rs 64 billion Over 10.17 lakh new employment opportunities created in the last financial year Artisans’ income rose by 213% in the last 10 years Highlighting women’s contribution, Shri Kumar noted that over 80% of the workforce in Khadi production comprises women, making it a sector driven by ‘mothers and sisters’. Expanding Employment & Khadi’s Nationwide Reach KVIC Chairman further stated that 34 Khadi institutions, 38,694 PMEGP units, and 13 SFURTI clusters in Maharashtra currently provide employment to 3,19,014 individuals. Under Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, Maharashtra has seen the distribution of 3,280 electric potter’s wheels and 6,800 bee boxes and colonies. The state-level PMEGP exhibition in Pune has attracted participation from entrepreneurs and Khadi institutions across multiple states, including Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Telangana, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Karnataka. Sustainable & Global Outlook for Khadi All products showcased in the exhibition are indigenous and eco-friendly, reinforcing Khadi’s role in sustainable fashion and rural industries. A Khadi fashion show, held as part of the event, displayed innovative designs, underscoring efforts to position Khadi on the global platform. Live demonstrations of Khadi and Village Industry production techniques allowed visitors to gain firsthand insights into the craftsmanship behind these products. Market Outlook: Khadi’s Future Growth and Global Expansion With the government's continued push for Atmanirbhar Bharat, Khadi and Village Industries are set to expand further, driven by rising domestic demand, global interest in sustainable textiles, and digital integration of rural artisans. The success of PMEGP and Gramodyog Vikas Yojana reflects a strong trajectory for employment generation and economic upliftment in rural India. As the state-level PMEGP exhibition continues till March 2, it stands as a testament to Khadi’s transformation from a symbol of heritage to a global brand, empowering artisans and shaping a self-reliant, prosperous India.