Gramodyog Vikas Yojana

Recently, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has approved a programme for the benefit of artisans involved in manufacturing of Agarbatti under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana.

 About the Programme

• The programme will initially include four pilot projects, including one in the northeastern part of the country.
• The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), will provide training, and assist artisans working in this area, with Agarbatti manufacturing machines.

Benefits:

• The revival of Agarbatti manufacturing in the villages and small towns.
• Generation of sustainable employment and increase in wages for the traditional Artisans.
• Mitigation of the gap between the indigenous ‘production and demand’.
• Reduction in import of ‘Agarbatti’ in the country.

About Gramodyog Vikas Yojana

• It is one of the two components of Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana which aims to promote and develop the village industries through common facilities, technological modernization, training etc.

Components of Gramodyog Vikas Yojana

1.Research & Development and Product Innovation:

• R&D support would be given to the institutions that intend to carry product development, new innovations, design development, product diversification processes etc.

2.Activities of existing dedicated verticals of Village Industries:

• This includes Agro-Based & Food Processing Industry, Mineral-Based Industry, Handmade Paper, Leather & Plastic Industry, among others.

3.Marketing & Publicity:

• The village institutions will be provided market support by way of preparation of product catalogue, Industry directory, market research, new marketing techniques, buyer-seller meet, arranging exhibitions etc.

4.Capacity Building:

• Under the Human Resource Development and Skill Training components, exclusive capacity building of staff as well as the artisans.

UPSC