The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, organised a distribution programme for machinery, toolkits and certificates under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana at the Gram Seva Mandal, Gopuri campus in Wardha, Vidarbha, on Saturday (28 March 2026). 

KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and distributed 848 modern machines and toolkits to 340 artisans engaged in various village industry activities, marking a significant step towards transforming rural skills into sustainable entrepreneurship. Certificates were also awarded to over 200 trainees who successfully completed their training under various skill development programmes.

The equipment distributed included electric pottery wheels under the Kumbhar Sashaktikaran Yojana, beehive boxes under the Honey Mission, machines for turnwood crafts, paper plate and dona making units, and toolkits for electricians and plumbers, aimed at strengthening both traditional industries and the rural service sector.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Manoj Kumar said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ reflects Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of Swadeshi, Gram Swaraj and Aatmanirbharta, with Khadi and Village Industries playing a key role in its realisation. He also visited the Central Organic Sliver Plant at the Gram Seva Mandal campus and noted that such innovations would enhance the quality, productivity and global competitiveness of Khadi.

Highlighting KVIC’s efforts in the Vidarbha region, Shri Kumar informed that over the past five years, more than 4,196 toolkits and machines have been distributed under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, generating direct employment for around 1,820 individuals and boosting sustainable livelihoods.

He further stated that the KVIC Divisional Office, Nagpur, has achieved significant progress under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). Over the last five years, 4,250 units have been established with margin money assistance exceeding Rs. 109 crore, generating employment for over 25,589 people. 

In the Khadi sector, the Nagpur Division has also witnessed notable growth, with around 3,997 artisans currently associated with 13 Khadi institutions. During the same period, Khadi production reached Rs. 19.48 crore, while sales exceeded Rs. 54.40 crore, reflecting increasing demand and market expansion. The programme was attended by representatives of Khadi institutions, artisans, trainees, bank officials, and officers and staff of KVIC and the State Government.

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Saurabh Khekde/Parshuram Kor

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