MYSORE: For the first time in India, the Karnataka Khadi and Village Industries Board will introduce solar charakas in Imangla village of Chitradurga district.
This will revive the khadi industry and bring relief to both spinners and weavers, as it will reduce physical strain and increase production. Around 30,000 labourers working in more than 165 khadi institutions across the state will benefit. This will also spin off more than 300 jobs. The state government has earmarked `7 crore to enhance their wages from ` 60 to 90 per day.
After khadi employees submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda at Mysore University Vice-Chancellor’s residence in Mysore on Saturday, Karnataka Khadi and Village Industries Board managing director K Nagaraj told Express that a proposal for introducing solar charakas was sent through Commissioner of Industries to the state government. “If funds are sanctioned, we will introduce solar charakas in three months,” he said.
Mahatma Gandhi Institution for Rural Industrialisation (MGIRI), Maharashtra prepared a `5.95 crore proposal. Senior scientist of MGIRI Dr Sindhur was the man behind this project. “We have plans to launch Bapuji Swavalambana Yojna (BSY) to give grants for khadi micro units. The cost of this scheme is `25 lakh,” he added.
The CM said `7 crore was earmarked in the budget for khadi last March.
Labourers of Badanavalu Khadi Kendra made woven dress a must for University of Mysore convocation.