New Delhi, Mar 29 (KNN) KVIC, under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, successfully organized its largest-ever ‘Mega Distribution’ program on March 28, 2025, from its headquarters in Mumbai.
The virtual event marked a significant step towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the empowerment of artisans and entrepreneurs across India.
During the event, KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar highlighted the program’s role in recognizing the Prime Minister’s vision of self-reliant India and providing employment to youth.
He emphasized the importance of the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make for World’ mantras, noting that these principles would help elevate Khadi products in the global market.
The program facilitated the disbursement of Rs. 469 crore in margin money subsidy to 14,456 new units under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, expected to generate 159,016 new jobs nationwide.
KVIC also inaugurated 5,000 new PMEGP units, 44 renovated Khadi Bhavans, and 750 new Khadi workshops across the country.
Over 500,000 Khadi artisans and entrepreneurs benefited directly through this initiative, which included the distribution of 16,377 equipment, machines, and toolkits under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana and Khadi Vikas Yojana schemes.
In the 2024-2025 financial year, KVIC supported Khadi institutions by releasing Rs. 215 crore under the Modified Market Development Assistance, benefiting 1,110 institutions and 146,246 artisans. An additional Rs. 40 crore was disbursed through the ISEC program to 1,153 Khadi institutions.
The event also saw the release of Rs. 32.73 crore in MMDA grants to 3,817 Khadi artisans to strengthen their businesses.
A significant announcement during the event was a 20 per cent increase in wages for Khadi artisans, effective April 1, 2025.
This is part of a broader government initiative that has seen a 275 per cent increase in artisan wages over the past 11 years, underscoring the administration’s commitment to improving artisan livelihoods.
Thousands of Khadi artisans, entrepreneurs, and beneficiaries from across India connected virtually, making this one of the largest online gatherings in support of Khadi and Village Industries.
(KNN Bureau)
