MSME Minister Pratap Deb on Friday hit out at the Central Government in the Assembly for not providing any grant to the State Khadi Board. He said the State Government was providing all grants to the board to stay it afloat.
Replying to the principal question of BJP member Ganeshram Singh Khuntia and supplementary question of Opposition Chief Whip Mohan Majhi, the Minister said as per the announcement by the State Government, a sum of Rs 2 crore has been provided to 21 Khadi Boards for providing salary and training of the staff.
Deb said out of 21 Khadi and Gramodyog societies in the State, four are managed by voluntary organisations and remaining 17 mills by private agencies. Both the State and Central Governments have always insisted on privatising spinning mills, he asserted.
The Minister said it is regrettable that the Union Government had turned a blind eye to the welfare of Khadi and village industries.