Weaving wonder: The khadi board office in Ranchi

It’s the youngest, yet the most successful. The Jharkhand Khadi Gram Udyog Board would have made Gandhiji proud. Established five years ago, the board has already carved out a prestigious place for itself in the national circuit through its efforts to preserve khadi, one of the enduring symbols of freedom struggle.

This year, it was adjudged the best khadi board in the country by the Union ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises. Board chairman Jainandu received the honour from President Pratibha Patil in August.

Moreover, it was the first board in the country to rope in the President for inaugurating the 8th National Khadi Fair on December 10.

“The board was set up in 2005 with a bank loan of Rs 50,000. I am proud to say that now, our annual turnover stands at Rs 40 crore and we have provided employment to 25,000 people,” said Jainandu.

Not content with mere outlets in Ranchi, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Jhumri Tilaiya and Delhi, the board has also set up production and training centres in Kuchai, Chandil, Garhwa, Hazaribagh and Deoghar.

Khadi melas and exhibitions are organised from time to time to find a market for the local craftsmen.

The board has also adopted an aggressive marketing policy to sell its products, including textile and household items, and articles of daily use.

It has joined hands with reputable institutions such as Nabard and the rural development departments of both the central and state governments besides various self-help groups to spread the reach of khadi.

Craftsmen associated with it enjoy special privileges. “We have covered all our members under the Janshree Bima Yojana of LIC besides opening savings accounts for them at post offices,” Jainandu said.