A project to bring all Khadi labourers of the State under Employee’s State Insurance (ESI) scheme was inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in Kozhikode on Saturday.
Kerala is the first State in the country to implement this project, which offers the benefits of ESI to the employees besides the benefits from the Khadi labourers Welfare Fund Board. The scheme would benefit around 12,000 Khadi labourers in the State.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the project for modernisation of Khadi production. The government had accepted the Gopinathan Nair panel report for modernisation of Khadi and had set apart Rs.29.4 crore for the purpose. The renovated Khadi Grama Soubhagya showroom on Cherootty Road was inaugurated on the occasion as well as the Ramzan Onam Khadi Mela-2014. The 2,100 sq.ft. showroom showcases locally manufactured Khadi products as well as those from all over the State and different parts of the country. A special air-conditioned section has been arranged for Khadi silk garments. All products will have a 30 per cent government rebate at the Khadi mela. Minister for Social Welfare M.K.Muneer and M.K. Raghavan, MP, were present at the function.
