Getting back to Gandhian ideologies and focusing on rural development, CM Raghubar Das during the inaugural ceremony of mega cultural extravaganza ‘Khadi and Saras Mela’ on Saturday emphasised on encouraging the cottage industries to ensure overall development of the State for both boosting the economy and for utilising the human resources. Only with the involvement of rural areas, inclusive development is possible, said Das.
“It is high time now and we must start focusing on rural sector to boost the economy of the State. Mahatma Gandhi has always promoted indigenous products. However, we have yet not adopted the ideologies of ‘Father of the Nation’.
Through small-scale cottage industries and promoting ‘Skill India’ mission on boarder perspectives, the State Government can control the menace of migration and unemployment that is rampant at present,” said, CM Raghubar Das while addressing the people at Khadi Mahotsav on Saturday.
“Soon ample amount of people residing in interior regions will be linked up with ‘Skill India’ mission. The State Government is also planning to open dairy farms at every block soon. Women will be given cows and they too will be linked up with constructive traits to earn decent livelihood. The State Government will soon establish a board and separate directorate to promote lac, tussar and other handicrafts of the State and will also ensure active involvement of women and youths in the board. Soon ‘Udyami Shakhi’ will be constituted for branding State native products,” added Das.
Giving a thrust to Khadi industries and maintaining the rich legacy of cottage industries, soon the State Government will work in coordination with Maharashtra and Odisha Government to promote the use of Khadi among everyone and generating employment in rural pockets. laying emphasis on bee farming and utilizing the indigenous medium to curb migration, soon all the three States will work towards the bee-farming sector including utilizing ‘Mahua’ fruit for further constructive purposes.
Encouraging the prospects and business opportunities in rural areas, Vikas Bharti, Secretary, Ashok Bhagat, said, “For all ambitious Government schemes like Start-up India, Stand-up India and others, active participation of people residing in rural pockets is necessary. Khadi is a thought to motivate people and must be promoted among different sections of the society to maintain its rich legacy and strengthening the grass root setup.”
Urban Development minister, CP Singh, Mandar MlA Gangotri Kujur, Khadi Board Chairperson, Sanjay Seth, Rajya Sabha Member Mahesh Poddar, Rural Development Principal Secretary, NN Sinha including dignitaries from other States graced the occasion.
To encourage people to adopt ‘Khadi’, the 22 days long mega fair has tremendous varieties to offer. Decked up with approximately 558 stalls and 11 hangers, visitors this year have several options to indulge in. Separate play zone for kids have been set up for the children, looking at their taste and preferences.