Question : Change of Icon by KVIC

(a) whether the Government has served notices to the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) for replacing Mahatma Gandhi’s images in its diaries and calendars printed for the year 2017 and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the KVIC has accepted its mistake in this regard, if so, the details thereof including any advisory issued to KVIC for such matter in future;

(c) the details of expenditure incurred for publication of diaries and calendars during each of the last three years; and

(d) the amount spent by KVIC from its CSR fund during the said period?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRYOF
MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
(SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)

(a): No Madam. The Hon''ble Prime Minister''s photograph was used on the cover page of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Diary and Calendar for 2017. Hon’ble Prime Minister was kind enough to grace the Khadi event held at Ludhiana (Punjab) where 500 Charkhas were distributed to the Khadi artisans and the same photograph was carried on the Diary and Calendar as a source of encouragement to the KVI Sector. KVIC rules does not mandate that calendar and/or diary of KVIC should have a photograph of Mahatma Gandhi.

(b): Does not arise.

(c): The details of expenditure incurred for publication of diaries and calendars during each of the last three years; and the amount spent by KVIC from its fund during the said period is as follows:-

<pre>
Year Expenditure incurred (Rs. in lakhs)
2014-15 Rs.13.74
2015-16
Rs.6.61
2016-17
Rs.14.98

</pre>

(d): KVIC is not having any CSR fund as the Commission functions on “no-profit no-loss” basis.