Distinction in travel journalism
Is independent travel journalism important to you?
Click here to keep it independent

3 Oct, 2012

India’s Village Industries “More Relevant in an Age of Globalisation”

=========

Ministry of Rural Development, 01-October, 2012 – Union Minister for Rural Development Mr Jairam Ramesh said that village industries and particularly Khadi have become more relevant in India in an age of privatization, liberalization and globalization.

Talking to media after inaugurating an Exhibition on Gandhiji Textiles of Peace here, Mr Ramesh said, his endeavor will be to bring more and more industries in the rural India, so that more jobs can be created for rural prosperity. He said, though MGNREGA is doing a good job in providing livelihood security to the rural poor, but there is also a need for creating permanent assets in the rural areas.

Dwelling on the issue of Panchayati Raj, the Minister said the vision of Gandhiji for stronger and self-sufficient panchayats must be fulfilled and there is need for empowering the local bodies with more and more autonomy, particularly independent financial powers to undertake developmental works in a more efficient way. He said, from this year onward, one percent of the Rural Development Ministry’s budget that comes about 1000 crore rupees will be given for strengthening the panchayati raj institutions in the country.

The exhibition of indigenous textiles was organised at the premises of National Archives of India On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

The Exhibition showcases textile products by several leading group of craftsmen/organizations, like Janapada Seva Trust Mandya (Karnataka), Khadi Nekar Sahkari Utpadakta Sangh, Dharwad (Karnataka), Asal (Ahmedabad), Women’s Weave Charitable Trust (Madhya Pradesh), Guntur Zila Khadi Samiti (Guntur), Porgai Lambadi Dharampuri, (Tamil Nadu) etc.

A display of rare archival documents/photographs entitled ‘A Satyagrahi of South Africa: Mahatma Gandhi and Hindi’ is also on view to coincide with the celebration. The display portrays the activities of Gandhiji in South Africa as well as his support for the cause of Indians in South Africa after his departure in 1914. His philosophy, concern for Hindi and his memorabilia are highlights of the display.