Encourage khadi: Minister

Vijayawada: In order to carve a niche for handloom products produced by handloom weavers and cooperative societies, Khadi Bazar-2016, an exhibition-cum-sale, was opened at TTD Kalyana Mandapam here on Wednesday by Khadi and Village Industries Commission.

Inaugurating the expo, Minister for Endowments Pydikondala Manikyala Rao said that this kind of exhibition provides an opportunity for the handloom weavers to exhibit their talent and skills and get better value for their products besides getting employment. He called upon the youth to take responsibility in promoting the khadi clothes among the public as one could experience the pride of using ‘swadesi’ products once in a week, which was the need of the hour.

Khadi and Village Industries Commission state director Dr Khuddus said, “For the welfare of the unemployed youth, the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme is also contemplating to establish 1,036 projects and offer training programme to 8288 unemployed youth. As of now, the Commission has provided employment opportunity for 6,015 members under 495 projects with margin money of Rs 2,072 crore. Measures will be also taken by the Commission in establishing expos across the state to provide a platform for the traditional artisans and handloom weavers to market their products.”

South Zone, Khadi and Village Industries Commission member G Chandra Mouli, assistant director Ramesh, Krishna District Industries Commission general manager Rajendra Prasad, Kala Srusti Association secretary G Dasardhachary and others also present. The expo will remain open for the public till January 17 at TTD Kalyana Mandapam, Punnamathotha, from 10 am to 9 pm.