Guwahati: Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Manoj Kumar, on Tuesday inaugurated the Joint State-Level Khadi and Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) Exhibition at the playground of Arya Vidyapeeth College. The exhibition, which will continue till February 19, showcases 90 stalls featuring khadi, village industries, and PMEGP products from several states including Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
During the inaugural ceremony, 634 machines and toolkits were distributed to 460 beneficiaries under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, while training certificates were awarded to 100 artisans trained at the MDTC. The equipment included electric pottery wheels, bee boxes, sewing machines, and tools related to various village industry activities. Also present was Shri Rintumoni Brahma, Councillor, Ward No. 27, Guwahati Municipal Corporation.
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Addressing the gathering, Manoj Kumar said the exhibition reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local, providing artisans and entrepreneurs a vital platform to connect with markets. He highlighted that khadi and village industries have grown into a strong pillar of rural employment, with business turnover exceeding ₹1.70 lakh crore over the past 11 years and generating livelihoods for over two crore people.
Referring to Assam as the gateway to the Northeast, the KVIC Chairman said the skills of local artisans are giving fresh momentum to the rural economy. He also welcomed the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative announced in the Union Budget, noting it would enhance training, branding, and market access for khadi and handicraft artisans. The event was attended by khadi workers, PMEGP beneficiaries, and officials of the Assam government and KVIC.
