With an aim to provide a unique identity to brand ‘Khadi’ in domestic as well as international markets, President Pranab Mukherjee has launched ‘Khadi Mark’, which would indicate the quality and genuineness of a product.
“It is a key step to lend Khadi the unique identity it richly deserves. This will provide a distinct identity for positioning and brand building in domestic and international textile markets,” Mr. Mukherjee said after the launch here.
He added that the initiative will help to fully realise the growth potential of the khadi sector. The sector is presently pegged at Rs. 1,000 crore in terms of revenues, of which about Rs. 125 crore comes from exports. Additionally, it employs around 10.45 lakh khadi artisans, with nearly seventy per cent being women.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises K.H. Muniyappa said, “The mark will guarantee pure, genuine khadi, hand-woven, hand spun and natural fibre.”
Further, Madhav Lal, Secretary in the MSME Ministry, said the Khadi Mark Regulation, 2013, which would come into effect from October 2, make it mandatory for institutions and persons involved in the production and sale of Khadi clothes to use this mark.
A grace period of six months has been given to replace the old items with the new ones (with logos) so that this system can be properly implemented, he added.
Mr. Mukherjee said, “I am confident that the Khadi Mark will prove to be truly beneficial to the customers in buying genuine Khadi and to the producers in improving their living standards. I request all those involved in the production and sale of Khadi to value it and honour the regulation so that we can hold high the glory of Khadi.”
