KVIC Chairman hails Lijjat Papad women artisans, says organisation advances 'Vocal for Local' vision
KVIC Chairman Manoj Goyal celebrates Lijjat Papad's success in empowering 45,000 women and driving the Vocal for Local vision.
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SEO_TITLE: KVIC Chairman Praises Lijjat Papad Women Artisans
SEO_DESC: KVIC Chairman Manoj Goyal celebrates Lijjat Papad's success in empowering 45,000 women and driving the Vocal for Local vision.
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KVIC Chairman Hails Lijjat Papad Women Artisans
Manoj Goyal, the Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), has lauded the incredible impact of Lijjat Papad women artisans, noting that their success is a cornerstone of the nation's self-reliance movement. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Goyal emphasized how the organization embodies the spirit of the 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' visions championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A Journey from Seven Women to a Global Brand
Reflecting on the storied history of Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, the KVIC Chairman highlighted its humble beginnings. Established on March 15, 1959, with a mere 80 rupees and just seven women, the initiative was far more than a business venture; it was a pursuit of dignity and independence.
The momentum of this journey accelerated significantly in 1966 when KVIC officially recognized Lijjat Papad as a Village Industry. Today, the scale of the operation is staggering:
- Workforce: More than 45,000 women are now associated with the brand.
- Reach: The organization operates through 83 branches spanning 16 different states.
- Product Diversity: Beyond the iconic papads, the brand has expanded into spices, flour, detergents, and liquid soaps.
- Global Footprint: Their products have crossed international borders, reaching over 30 countries, including Japan, Australia, the USA, and South Africa.
The Pillars of Success: Quality and Discipline
Goyal remarked that the true strength of Lijjat Papad lies in its unwavering commitment to quality, hard work, and discipline. "Lijjat does not merely make papads; it weaves together dignity, self-confidence, and opportunity," he stated during his address at the Sri Shanmukhananda Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Auditorium.
The organization's excellence has not gone unnoticed by the nation. Its track record includes several prestigious accolades, such as:
- The Best Village Industry Award in 2003.
- The Brand Equity Award in 2005.
- The Women Development Award in 2017.
KVIC’s Growing Role in Rural Employment
During the event, the Chairman also shared significant updates regarding the broader Khadi and Village Industries sector. He noted that KVIC is currently providing employment to nearly 5 lakh artisans across India, with women making up a massive 80% of this workforce across approximately 3,000 institutions.
The economic impact of these initiatives is evident in the rising numbers. Over the last 12 years, the wages for Khadi artisans have seen an increase of up to 275 per cent. Furthermore, the production in the Khadi and Village Industries sector has climbed to approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore, while total sales have reached a robust ₹1.87 lakh crore.
To support this growth, the government has actively distributed more than 3.23 lakh machines and toolkits under the Village Industry Development Scheme. Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) has facilitated the establishment of around 11 lakh new projects, with subsidies exceeding ₹30,000 crore, ultimately creating employment opportunities for nearly 1 crore people.