The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), has launched the nationwide ‘Seva Sankalp, Khadi Mahotsav 2026’, a month-long campaign aimed at promoting Khadi, Swadeshi products, rural entrepreneurship, employment and self-reliance.
The campaign was inaugurated on September 17, 2026, from the KVIC campus at Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat, and will continue until October 17. The programme is being conducted with an emphasis on public participation and will include activities across schools, villages, towns and Khadi institutions.
KVIC Chairman Manoj Goyal inaugurated the programme in the presence of former Delhi Mayor Jai Prakash, Khadi institution representatives, artisans, PMEGP beneficiaries, trainees and KVIC officials. Artisans marked the occasion by lighting 25 lamps under the theme ‘Sankalp Se Siddhi’, symbolising 25 years of public service and governance associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A cake-cutting ceremony featuring the #AshirwadKaDiya initiative was also held.
Speaking at the event, Goyal highlighted service, good governance and public participation as key themes of the campaign. He said KVIC would use the Mahotsav to strengthen awareness about Khadi, Swadeshi, rural employment and self-reliance.
He described Khadi as more than a textile, noting its connection with artisan livelihoods, the rural economy, self-respect and the promotion of indigenous products. He also pointed to initiatives such as Vocal for Local, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Local to Global, which have contributed to greater attention to local products and rural enterprises.
A major component of the inauguration was support for artisans and entrepreneurs. Machines and toolkits were distributed to artisans from Delhi and the North Eastern region. Under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), margin money subsidy amounting to ₹289 crore was disbursed. The funds are expected to support 3,366 new projects and generate employment for approximately 37,026 people. Bank loans of around ₹873 crore have also been extended for these projects.
Additionally, 5,000 new PMEGP units were launched online. KVIC said the programme seeks to encourage young people, women and rural entrepreneurs to become job creators and establish sustainable livelihoods.
The event also featured the launch of several digital initiatives, including the KVIC E-Commerce Portal, PMEGP Online EDP Portal, PMEGP Online EDP Mobile App, Hindi Vaibhav Portal and KVIC Digital 2.0. These platforms are intended to improve access to KVIC services, training, entrepreneurship support and digital commerce.
Across the country, 760 individual and group workshops and renovated stores were inaugurated virtually. A Khadi and Village Industries exhibition, charkha demonstrations, a selfie point and the ‘Swadeshi Sankalp’ campaign were among the other activities organised at the venue. Certificates were presented to candidates who completed various skill development programmes.
The campaign will also incorporate cleanliness and environmental initiatives. Cleanliness activities were conducted at the KVIC office complex at Gandhi Darshan, while the KVIC Chairman planted a sapling. The Mahotsav will be aligned with the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2026’ campaign, being observed from September 17 to October 17 under the theme ‘Participation in Cleanliness, Clean India, Developed India’.
During the month-long campaign, KVIC plans to conduct cleanliness drives, tree plantation programmes, Khadi Yatras, Swadeshi pledges, awareness campaigns, artisan interactions and training programmes.
The KVIC has also highlighted the sector’s economic contribution. According to figures cited at the event, the Khadi and Village Industries sector recorded turnover exceeding ₹1.87 lakh crore in 2025-26 and provides employment to more than 20.4 million people. KVIC has expressed its aim of taking the sector’s turnover to ₹2.51 lakh crore in the coming years.
The campaign seeks to bring Khadi and village industries closer to communities by combining entrepreneurship support, digital initiatives, artisan welfare, Swadeshi promotion, cleanliness and public participation.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
