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Srinagar, May 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB) has created employment for more 74,000 people in the state as the production of this sector has reached Rs 300 crore annually.

The board has planned to generate more employment in rural areas through Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) which is replacing Rural Employment Generation Programme and Prime Ministers Rozgar Yogna (PMRY) from June this year, an official spokesperson said here today.

He said KVIB has created employment opportunities for more than 44,000 people under village industries by setting up over 3000 units during the 2007-08.

It also created employment for more than 30,000 through 37 Khadi institutions under Khadi Sector in the state, he said.

Spokesperson said the production of Khadi Village Industry Sector was over Rs 300 crore annualy and six institutions and unit holders were given national awards.

He said the articles being exported include carpet, crewel, chain stich, kani and pashmina shawls, papier machie, wooden and Leather item.

Under the PMEGP, the board will generate employment in rural areas, develop entrepreneurial skills and attitude among rural unemployed youth, facilitate participation of financial institutions for higher credit flow to rural industries, realise the goal of Rural Industrialisation, focus on skill upgradation and marketing linkage and setting up 36000 units working in the state.

UNI