Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, inaugurated the Joint State Level Khadi and Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) Exhibition at the playground of Arya Vidyapeeth College in Guwahati yesterday. On this occasion, 460 artisans were distributed 634 machines and toolkits under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana Scheme of the Ministry. These included 220 electric pottery wheels for potters, 300 bee boxes for beekeeping, 60 sewing machines, and equipment related to 54 different village industry activities. In addition, certificates were given to 100 trained artisans who had received training at the MDTC.

On this occasion, Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman, KVIC, in his address, said that this event is a significant step towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Vocal for Local', providing artisans and entrepreneurs with an opportunity to connect with the market. He further added that Khadi and village industries have become a strong foundation for a self-reliant India. He said that Assam is the gateway to Northeast India, and the skills of its artisans are giving a new direction to the nation’s rural economy. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the 'Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative' announced in the recent Union Budget, stating that it will provide artisans associated with Khadi and handicrafts with better access to training, quality improvement, branding, and national and international markets. He further informed that the 'Khadi Revolution' has propelled the business of Khadi and village industries to over Rs.1,70,000 crore in the last 11 years, while employing more than 2 crore people during this period.

Regarding the achievements of the KVIC Guwahati State Office, Chairman KVIC said that significant progress has been made under the PMEGP, Khadi Vikas Yojana Scheme, and Gramodyog Vikas Yojana Scheme in the last three years. During this period, thousands of artisans have been provided employment through a total of 25 active Khadi institutions in the state. Under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), a total of 9,668 micro-units were established during the period 2022-23 to 2025- 26 (up to January 31, 2026), for which a margin money subsidy of over Rs. 258 crore was disbursed, providing employment opportunities to more than 77,344 people. Under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana Scheme (GVY), 3150 artisans in the state have been provided with 3170 machines, equipment, and toolkits in the last three years, giving a new drive to entrepreneurship, self-employment, and self-reliance in rural areas.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by representatives of Khadi institutions, beneficiaries of the PMEGP scheme, Khadi workers, as well as officers and employees of the Assam government and KVIC.

The exhibition which will run till 19^th February features a total of 90 stalls from artisans and entrepreneurs from various states, including Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, showcasing swadeshi and eco-friendly products related to Khadi, Village industries, and PMEGP.

 

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