A New Vision for Khadi in New India

Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and Congress Parliamentary Party President Sonia Gandhi expressed concern over the state of Khadi industry in India through editorial article. This has brought attention to the sector and current editorial discusses the progress made by Khadi sector in recent years.

About Khadi Sector

Khadi, with its deep historical roots, symbolises India’s rural economy, self-reliance, and national identity. It played a pivotal role in the Swadeshi movement and the struggle for independence. Despite its significance, post-independence efforts to promote khadi were limited.

However, in the last decade, there has been a renewed focus on reviving this iconic fabric. Recent initiatives by Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been instrumental in promoting khadi on the global stage. His advocacy through platforms like ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the G-20 conference, and interactions with the Indian diaspora have significantly enhanced khadi’s visibility and appeal. The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign further highlights this revival. 

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Recent Developments in Khadi

• Growth in Production and Sales: Since the formation of the new government in 2014, the khadi sector has witnessed remarkable growth:
  • Sales: From ₹31,154.20 crore in the fiscal year 2013-14, sales have surged by 5 times to ₹1,55,673.12 crore by 2023-24.
  • Khadi Clothes: Sales of khadi clothing increased by 500.90%, rising from ₹1,081.04 crore to ₹6,496 crore.
  • Production: Overall production has expanded by around 315%
    • Production of khadi textiles grew by around  295%, from ₹811.08 crore to ₹3,206 crore.
• Employment Opportunities: The khadi sector has also created substantial employment opportunities:
  • Artisans: Employment for artisans and entrepreneurs increased from 1.3 crore in 2013-14 to 1.87 crore in 2023-24, marking a 43.65% rise.
  • Institutions: Approximately 3,000 khadi institutions are now operational, employing around five lakh artisans, with 80% of them being women.
• Increased Remuneration
  • Wages: Artisan wages have seen a 150% increase from ₹4 per hank in 2013-14 to ₹10 per hank in 2023-24.
  • Government Procurement: Government procurement of khadi products grew from ₹42.25 crore in 2013-14 to ₹111.86 crore in the last decade.
• Rise in National Flag Sales
  • The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’ has significantly boosted the sale of khadi national flags, which increased by 1,101.15%, from ₹87 lakh in 2013-14 to ₹10.45 crore in 2023-24. Total sales have exceeded ₹33 crore in the last three years.

A Vision for the Future

Preserving Heritage While Embracing Modernity

The ‘New Khadi of the New India’ is characterised by a balance between preserving its rich heritage and adapting to contemporary needs. This includes:

• Innovation: Encouraging technological and design innovations to meet modern demands.
• Supporting Artisans: Ensuring fair wages, improved working conditions, and expanded market access for artisans.
• Infrastructure Development: Strengthening infrastructure to support production, distribution, and promotion.

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Conclusion

The ‘New Khadi of the New India’ represents a blend of growth and modernization, preserving its rich heritage while adapting to contemporary needs. The khadi sector has seen notable improvements in production, sales, and employment, underscoring its importance in India’s socio-economic fabric. 

However, continued efforts are essential to sustain this progress. Emphasising innovation, supporting artisans, and ensuring robust infrastructure will be crucial in maintaining khadi’s relevance and contribution to India’s economic and cultural landscape.

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