(a) the States where the Solar Charkhas have been introduced;
(b) whether cotton spinning Solar Charkhas have been developed in the country with
indigenous technology;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government proposes to provide these Charkhas to the textile/ Khadi
weavers also on the lines of cotton spinners; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a): Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in collaboration with Mahatma
Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialization (MGIRI) has introduced solar power operated
charkhas in 6 clusters on a trial basis in Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu and Nagaland.
(b)&(c): Cotton spinning solar charkhas have been developed by MGIRI by attaching solar
panels, battery and motor with the New Model Charkha (NMC) developed by KVIC.
(d)&(e): Presently there is no proposal with KVIC to provide solar charkhas to spinners
under its existing schemes.