Context:
Recently, the Khadi and Village Industries recorded its highest ever turnout of Rs. 1 lakh 70 thousand crore.
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC):
- A statutory body created under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956.
- It operates under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
- Objective –
- Focuses on the development of Khadi and village industries in rural areas.
- Coordinates with other rural development agencies to implement its programs effectively.
- Functions –
- Raw Material Reserve: Maintains a strategic stock of raw materials and tools for producers.
- Service Facilities: Provides common facilities for processing raw materials and marketing products.
- Marketing: Promotes the sale of Khadi and village industry products, including handicrafts.
- Research: Encourages research on production techniques and equipment in the Khadi and Village Industries sectors.
- Financial Assistance: Offers financial aid to institutions and individuals for design, prototypes, and technical support.
- Quality Assurance: Ensures product authenticity and sets quality standards.
- State-Level Implementation – Khadi & Village Industries Boards are established in states to implement KVIC schemes locally.
- Schemes Under KVIC –
- Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP): Promotes self-employment opportunities.
- Market Promotion Development Assistance (MPDA): Supports marketing efforts.
- Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate (ISEC): Provides interest subsidies for loans.
- Workshed Scheme for Khadi Artisans: Improves infrastructure for artisans.
- Khadi Reform and Development Programme (KRDP): Strengthens weak Khadi institutions.
- Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI): Revitalizes traditional industries.
- Honey Mission: Promotes beekeeping and honey production
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements with reference to India:
1. According to the ‘Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006, the ‘medium enterprises’ are those with investments in plant and machinery between Rs. 15 crores and Rs. 25 crores.
2. All bank loans to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)