Since the time Narendra Modi has taken the charge as the Prime Minister, he has consistently promoted the use and adoption of Khadi products at various forums. He has highlighted its use and potential even at his monthly Mann Ki Baat Programme. After four years in the government, it is clearly seen that the efforts are bearing fruit.
The latest financials of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) shows that the sales have grown at a staggering pace of 24.71% to INR 2503 crores for the financial year ended 31st March 2018.
It is pertinent to note that the average sales of Khadi products during the years 2004-14 stood at INR 900 crores approximately. This number jumped to INR 1828.3 crores (average) for the next three years and is now at 2503 crores.
This phenomenal growth can be attributed to the personal push by the Prime Minister himself and the backing up of words via actions to build a network of 325 new Khadi institutions which churned put new and improved products. Khadi brings along a host of benefits with the main beneficiaries being the village artisans. It remains to be seen where these numbers reach ultimately and how the masses adopt the “Indian” cloth in their everyday lifestyle.