Gadkari distributes Leather tool kits among leather artisans

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : It was dream come true for leather artisans hailing from Delhi and neighbouring areas, when Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Minister Nitin Gadkari called them as Charm-Chikitsak (Leather Doctors) and distributed advanced Leather Tool Kits among nearly 150 Leather Artisans at a function held under the aegis of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) on September 24, 2019,  in New Delhi.

Addressing the function held to mark the 150^th Birth Anniversary Celebration Year of Mahatma Gandhi, Gadkari said that leather industry is one of the pioneer village industries and leather craft had immense potential of job creation, especially in the rural areas.

He said that KVIC has manifested the idea of ‘Antyodaya’ and ‘Swablamban’ (self-reliance). The idea behind it is to support the leather artisans with a micro financial assistance so that they may start producing the leather products according to need of the market. They will now be known as ‘Charm Chikitsak (Leather Doctors), he said and informed that the KVIC had so far established 419 units within last 3 years under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).

Gadkari said that social and economic equality in society will not come from speeches only but with real action. Distribution of Tool Kit to leather artisans is such an action. It is real dedication to Mahatma Gandhi’s spirit. We are working regularly for economically and socially backward sectors. Now Kulhads will be used for tea at 400 Railway Station which will give employment to Kumhars. He also appealed the leather artisans to improve the quality of their produce and assured that government will give all financial assistance to them in this connection, according to PIB release.

Appreciating KVIC’s efforts in uplifting the marginalised community, Gadkari added that in the coming days, leather art and craft industry will be one of the significant village industry under KVIC The MSME has extended an additional support of Rs 25 crore for overall development of leather art and craft industry.