Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends a prayer meeting at Rajghat on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. (PTI photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the government wants to create a network of Khadi Gramudyog across villages in the country to provide more job opportunities through the sector.
In a letter addressed to people associated with Khadi Gramudyog on the 68th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi said: "We want to create a network of Khadi Gramudyog across villages in India, so that people can get employment and families in villages can be empowered."
PM Modi expressed happiness saying the government's efforts to promote khadi were bearing fruit as various state-owned institutions were using products made from the fabric.
"I am happy that the government's efforts are bearing fruit and various state-owned institutions are coming forward and using khadi products made by you. These include railways, police department, Indian Navy and Department of Posts, among other institutions.
"I have been informed that an additional 18 lakh man days will be required to meet the needs of these institutions leading to higher wages of the workers," PM Modi said.
Pointing out that khadi, which played an important role in the freedom struggle, has become a fashion statement, he said arrangements were being made to ensure that workers in the sector can easily avail benefits of government schemes like Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.
PM Modi also lauded the efforts being made to produce khadi using Solar Charkha and Solar Loom, noting that these will double income of the weavers and increase production.