Khadi gets big boost! Khadi commission to supply 1,200 Quintal mustard oil to ITBP for Rs 1.73 crore

New Delhi, Aug 29: In a big boost to locally manufactured products, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has received the first order from Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) for supplying 1200 quintals of kacchi ghani mustard oil worth Rs 1.73 crore.

 

 

 

 

This order comes in the backdrop just weeks after the MoU signed between KVIC and ITBP on July 31 boosting the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Vocal for Local' initiatives. The order will be supplied to ITBP within 30 days from the date of the order.

 

The commission has asserted that this order will generate employment at the Khadi institutions manufacturing high quality kacchi ghani mustard oil. "This order will generate lakhs of additional man-hours for Khadi artisans and thus encouraging local production," the statement read. The work has been divided in 3 shifts so as to complete the supply within the stipulated period of 30 days at the Khadi institutions.

 

Earlier, this development came after Home Minister Amit Shah said to the paramilitary forces to encourage local products in a bid to support the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan”. He made it mandatory to sell only “Swadeshi” products through the CAPF canteens across India, KVIC added. The ITBP is the nodal agency appointed by the Ministry of Home Affairs for the procurement of provisions on behalf of all paramilitary forces.

 

KVIC Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena welcomed the purchase order saying this was a major step towards strengthening our village industries and empowering the local artisans. “Only by encouraging local production and strengthening our village industries, we can overcome financial distress and create sustainable livelihood for our people. At the same time, our jawans at the border will get the best quality mustard oil. We will ensure the supplies are made before time,” Saxena said.

 

The KVIC and ITBP have signed the MoU for a period of one year which will be renewed further. The next products in the pipeline are cotton mats (dari), blankets, bed sheets, pillow covers, pickles, honey, papad and cosmetics, etc. The total value of oil and dari will be approximately Rs 18 crore.