Owing to the outbreak of Covid-19 face masks have become a new way of life. Touted as the most effective gear for protection against the virus, face masks apart from being a necessity have also become a fashion statement. With cotton masks becoming a popular choice as against the N-95 and surgical ones, the Jharkhand State Khadi and Village Industries Board has started the production and distribution of khadi masks across all its outlets.
Khadi also known as ‘khaddar’ is not only synonymous with Mahatma Gandhi but masks made out of this fabric also highlight Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of ‘Vocal for Local’.
The khadi masks are being manufactured at four production centres across Jharkhand which are located at Ranchi, Hazaribag, Bokaro and Jamshedpur.
As many as 100 women are engaged in the production of these masks along with other items while approximately 15,000 masks have been produced since May. During the initial days of the lockdown, the Board had distributed free Khadi masks at all District Collectorates and Civil Surgeon Offices in Jharkhand.
“Initially only surgical masks were the popular choice, but later cotton ones were recommended for public use as well. In order to provide these women with a source of livelihood as all emporiums across the country were closed, the Board decided to engage them in the production of khadi masks,” said Deputy CEO, Suman Pathak.
These masks are available across all Khadi Board emporiums located at the State capital- Ratu Road, Radium Road, Birsa Munda Airport and Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha. Apart from Ranchi, they are also available at Hazaribagh, Bokaro and Jamshedpur as well as Delhi and Lucknow outlets.
As the masks are made of khadi- a hand woven natural fibre made with cotton, they are not just more comfortable but are skin and environment friendly as against the surgical ones. Available in a myriad of colours, these masks can be washed and reused as well.
The double or triple layered cotton ones are available at a price range of Rs 30 to Rs 60 per piece. Those made out of silk or the ones hand painted with the traditional art forms of Jharkhand like Sohrai and Madhubani are only made on demand and are much costlier.