(a) whether the Government are aware that many Khadi Sales outlets of KVIC have been closed down during the last two years;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps being taken to improve and modernize Khadi textiles for better acceptability and popularity?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRO AND RURAL INDUSTRIES ( SHRI SANGH PRIYA GAUTAM )
(a) & (b): Due to continuous losses and lack of viability, three
Khadi Sales outlets of KVIC at Vishakapatnam, Hyderabad and
Lucknow have been closed down since the year 1999-2000.
(c): To improve and modernize khadi textiles for better
acceptability and popularity, a number of steps have been taken
such as: setting up of sliver plants for supplying quality sliver,
availing expertise from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) like
Dastkar Andhra and Rural Development Agency (RUDA), Rajasthan, for
improvement of the quality as well as imparting training to khadi
artisans; tied up arrangements with the National Institute of
Design (NID), Ahmedabad and National Institute of Fashion
Technology (NIFT) for developing better designs, fashions etc. in
khadi textiles; launching of `Stiff and Soft` finishing process of
khadi cloth with the help of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Delhi; and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed
with Textile Committee to make available laboratories for quality
testing/certification of khadi products.