KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Goyal interacted with women artisans of Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad at an event in Mumbai's Sri Shanmukhananda Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Auditorium. He commended the organization as an inspiring example of women empowerment, self-reliance, and the 'Local to Global' vision.
Lijjat Papad was established on 15 March 1959 with seven women and Rs. 80 capital. It received recognition as a Village Industry by KVIC in 1966. The organization now operates through 83 branches across 16 states, employing more than 45,000 women. Beyond papads, it manufactures spices, flour, detergent, and liquid soaps, with products exported to over 30 countries including the USA, Australia, Japan, and South Africa.
The organization has received several awards including the Best Village Industry Award (2003), Brand Equity Award (2005), and Women Development Award (2017). KVIC Chairman highlighted that Lijjat Papad's success is built on quality, hard work, and discipline.
Regarding KVIC's broader impact, nearly 5 lakh artisans across the country are employed through approximately 3,000 Khadi institutions, with 80% being women. Khadi artisans' wages have increased by up to 275% over the past 12 years. The Khadi and Village Industries sector has achieved production of approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore and sales of ₹1.87 lakh crore. Under the Village Industry Development Scheme, more than 3.23 lakh machines and toolkits have been distributed during the last 12 years.
Under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), around 11 lakh new projects have been established with subsidies exceeding ₹30,000 crore, generating employment opportunities for approximately 1 crore people.