NID to train rural artisans

Rajkot, Oct 1 (UNI) The National Institute of Design (NID) at Ahmedabad would give training to rural artisans and weavers to develop new designs and good weaving skills to increase the usage of Khadi products and their promotion.

Saurashtra Rachnatmak Samiti chairman Hitendra Desai, addressing mediapersons here today on the eve of 'Gandhi Jayanti, said a female member of the NID would teach and train the rural artisans in latest design and good weaving technqiues of making Khadi under Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI).

Rural artisans will be trained in various skillful tasks and proper infrastructure will be provided to help build a strong rural economy under the SFURTI scheme.

Khadi, the hand-spun cotton, is of special significance to Indians. Many rural men and women are engaged in the making of Khadi which is a comfortable and eco-freindly natural cloth, he said.

Saurashtra Rachnatmak Samiti, engaged in Khadi Udyog, has brought out various designs in Khadi for both young and old, Mr Desai said, adding, the sale of Khadi products has considerably increased during the last two to three years due to pro-policy of Central Government to promote Khadi.

On the occasion, the organisers have offered a rebate of 30 per cent on Khadi products, which will commence from tomorrow for 108 days, Mr Desai said.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), a multilateral development finance institution, would provide financial assistance to the tune of Rs 500-600 crore to Indian Khadi boards, he added.

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