New age Khadi kiosks soon at 80 rly stations

Jaipur, July 22: New-age Khadi kiosks will soon open at 80 railways stations across the country giving a market-driven impetus to this village industry.

Stating this at a press meet here today, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), chairperson Kumud Joshi said at least five stations have been identified in Rajasthan, where these Khadi kiosks will start operations, most probably from October 2 this year.

She added, ''Jaipur, Kota, Jodhpur, Udaipur and other divisional headquarters will have these kiosks for passengers who can buy essentials including khadi towels, napkins, toothpaste and also get ready pamphlets for more information on Khadi outlets.'' Once the railway project takes off, KVIC also has plans to open such kiosks at airports to attract tourists.

Ms Joshi said KVIC's aim now is to promote and modernise Khadi keeping in mind the changing times and the market demands. For this a major part of KVIC is spent on research and innovations.

In tune with the modern age, KVIC will soon launch a cost-friendly E-Charkha, which will have two spinning wheels.

Ms Joshi said one who operates the e-charkha for two hours will get five hours of electricity which can charge mobile sets. One can also hear radio on this charkha. The charkha has been designed by a weaver in Karnataka and will cost Rs 2,000 and will soon be produced on a mass scale.

Khadi outlets are being modernised in a phased manner along with staff training to cater to today's demands.

Ms Joshi informed a Khadi Plaza will soon be opened on the Panipat Highway which will only have khadi related items.

She added honey production, aloe vera based cosmetics and paper industry are the three core areas where the commission is now concentrating.

UNI