Khadi and Village Industries: Weaving the Fabric of an Inclusive and Sustainable India

The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises highlights the role of Khadi and Village Industries (KVI) in promoting rural livelihoods, decentralized employment, women's empowerment, and sustainable development under the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. KVIC supports traditional craftsmanship through skill development, wage enhancements, infrastructure upgrading, and design innovation via the Centre of Excellence at NIFT, Delhi. Government schemes like Khadi Vikas Yojana, Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, and PMEGP provide financial assistance, toolkits, and marketing support, which an evaluation study by EDII, Ahmedabad indicates has increased artisan incomes for over 75 percent of participants. Furthermore, KVI emphasizes environmental sustainability through energy-efficient processes, solar energy adoption, and potential export expansion.