Last day of the Rashtriya Khadi & Saras Mahotsav witnessed a huge footfall with thousands of enthusiastic shoppers, pushing through the crowd, searching for the best bargains at the fair.
Chairperson of Jharkhand State Khadi & Village Industries Board Sanjay Seth informed the media on Sunday that a sale of over Rs 24 crore was witnessed in the fair in 18 days, since its commencement on December 20.
“More than seven lakh people visited the fair in these 18 days and the Johar Emporium of Khadi board alone managed to sell products worth Rs 40 lakh,” he said.
The fair had 1200 stalls of artisans and entrepreneurs from not just Jharkhand but 22 states across the country.
“The stall owners were happy but that is not all. Apart from the stalls inside the fair, a number of stalls selling food and other items were put up by hundreds of people outside the fair premises. This fair managed to provide self employment to a number of such people, which is what the aim of Khadi board has been,” Seth said.
Almost 60% of sale was done through POS machines, thus promoting the idea of digital India, Seth said.
A number of cultural activities were organized during these 18 days by the state art and culture directorate. “We are thankful for the directorate which help bring a mini-India at the fair with a number of cultural events of various states including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Assam and others,” Seth said.
A number of awards were given to stall owners on the last day of the fair, including best Khadi stall, best Saras stall, unique stall, best handicraft stall, best innovative stalls and much more.
The fair organizers also felicitated those officers from Ranchi Municipal Corporation, fire brigade, art and culture department and Khadi board, who played a vital role in successful organizing of the fair.
On the occasion, eight different Khadi making committees and associations of Jharkhand were given marketing development assistance (MDA), for their good work in khadi production. Under MDA, 20% of the total production cost of khadi of one organization is given to them by Khadi board which is to be spent under various heads. Of this, 25% is distribuded among weavers, 35% is used for increasing production of the groups and 45% is used for marketing.
Seth said, “A total among of Rs 75.79 lakh will be distributed among the eight groups under MDA.”
Chairperson of the Khadi Board further informed that as assembly elections in the state is scheduled to be held during November and December next year, the Khadi Mela would be organized immediately after the elections are over.