Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the achievements of the Khadi and Village Industries sector in the 139th episode of his 'Mann Ki Baat' program on October 25, 2026, which marked the completion of 12 years of the program that began on October 3, 2014. The Prime Minister specifically noted that sales of Khadi and village industry products exceeded Rs 28 crore in a single day on Gandhi Jayanti, and he urged citizens to prioritize products made by local artisans during the upcoming festive season.
KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Goel expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of millions of artisans, weavers, craftsmen, and rural entrepreneurs associated with the sector. He stated that the Prime Minister's continuous inspiration has transformed Khadi beyond its traditional identity into an important source of employment generation, women empowerment, rural economy strengthening, and building a self-reliant India. Goel noted that Khadi has become both the cultural heritage of the country and the self-confidence of modern India, emerging as a symbol of the spirit of Swadeshi and economic empowerment.
The document provides specific sales data following the Prime Minister's appeals over the years: after the first appeal on October 3, 2014, KVIC's flagship outlet registered record sales the next day. Subsequent appeals on September 26, 2021 (81st episode), September 25, 2022, and September 24, 2023 resulted in significant sales at the Khadi Bhawan in Connaught Place—Rs 1.34 crore on October 2, 2022, and over Rs 1.52 crore on October 2, 2023. The most recent appeal in the 126th episode on September 28, 2025 urged citizens to purchase at least one Khadi product on October 2 and take pride in its indigenous origin.
Financial performance data shows that in the 2025-26 financial year, the Khadi and Village Industries sector achieved a turnover surpassing Rs 1.87 lakh crore while providing employment to over 2.04 crore people. The sector is working toward reaching its turnover target of Rs 2.51 lakh crore in the near future. The Prime Minister's advocacy has been consistent since the program's inception, with his October 3, 2014 call to purchase Khadi products giving the sector a new identity and reinforcing public trust in indigenous products.