(a) the number of spinners and weavers presently working to produce Khadi clothes by hand in the country, State/UTwise;
(b) whether the Government proposes to facilitate the use of e-Charkha and e-handloom in the production of Khadi; and
(c) if so, the details thereof along with the time by which the said facilities are likely to be made available to them and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
(SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)
(a): State/UT-wise details of number of spinners and weavers engaged in Khadi production in the country is given at Annexure-I.
(b)&(c): In e-charkha, while the spinners ply the charkha, a retrofit instrument attached to the charkha energizes a battery through a dynamo which is used for lighting LED lamp etc. Though, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) advised Khadi Institutions (KIs) to arrange supply of retrofit attachment to artisans, the artisans did not accept as it increases physical strain and plying noise of the charkha.