Khadi commission should ensure profits and propagate Gandhian ideals, says Narayan Rane

Union minister Narayan Rane. File Pic

Union minister Narayan Rane on Monday said the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) should work to achieve profits and propagate Gandhian ideals, reported news agency PTI.

Speaking at an event in Mumbai to mark Mahatma Gandhi's 154th birth anniversary, the Union minister for micro, small and medium enterprises said since 2014, the KVIC profits have gone up from around Rs 800 crore to Rs 34,000 crore, reported PTI.

Narayan Rane noted that the KVIC is situated in Mumbai which contributes 34 per cent to the national treasury.

"KVIC premises is in a prime location of the city and its products and artisans can be promoted vigorously to ensure profits while also being committed to Gandhian ideals," he said.

Narayan Rane said the KVIC should boost the rural economy as well, reported PTI.

"It should ensure viable profits and propagate Gandhian ideals," he said, adding that the rural per capita income should also increase.

Narayan Rane inaugurated the Khadi Mahotsav which will be held at the KVIC premises from October 2 to 31 this year.

He also flagged off the Khadi yatra to promote Khadi across the country.

Last month, Union minister Narayan Rane had said only those from the Maratha community who are educationally, socially and economically backward should get reservations in jobs and education.

He also said there was no need to give Kunbi certificates to all Marathas in a order to give them benefits of quota. Kunbis fall in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category and, hence, get reservations.

"There is no need to give Kunbi caste certificates to all the Marathas in the state. Those who are socially, economically and educationally backward (in the community)should get benefits of reservations. The '96 kuli' (a clan system) Marathas have not sought reservations," Rane, a former chief minister, said.

A proper survey should identify who is socially, economically and educationally backward, Rane said, adding Marathas constitute 38 per cent of the state's population.

Meanwhile, reacting to Sanjay Raut's remark on CM Eknath Shinde will be soon be replaced by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, the Union Minister Narayan Rane stated that Uddhav-led Shiv leader Raut has gone mad and Shinde will remain the CM till 2024 election.

(With inputs from PTI)