Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Khadi Sales Surge 501% as Modi-Era Revival Gains Praise
Khadi is cloth made by spinning thread by hand.
Harivansh Singh said it was important during India’s freedom struggle.
He said khadi later became less popular after independence.
According to Singh, khadi has become popular again during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
He said sales increased by about 500% in roughly 10 to 12 years.
Provisional data from the Khadi and Village Industries Commission put the increase at 501% between 2013-14 and 2025-26.
Singh said khadi is now connected with fashion, national pride and supporting local products.
He also said the spinning wheel represented economic support for poor villagers.
The remarks were made during a Mahatma Gandhi birth anniversary event at Gujarat Vidyapith.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Singh said khadi sales rose about 500% over the past decade.
Provisional Khadi and Village Industries Commission data showed a 501% increase between 2013-14 and 2025-26.
Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with khadi’s revival and greater appeal among young people.
Speaking at Gujarat Vidyapith, Singh linked khadi and the charkha to Gandhi’s vision of economic empowerment.
He also cited government initiatives including Swachh Bharat Mission, Make in India, Start-Up India and One District One Product.
- Who
- Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Singh made the remarks and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for khadi’s revival.
- What
- Singh said khadi sales increased by about 500%, with provisional data indicating a 501% rise between 2013-14 and 2025-26.
- When
- On Friday, during an event marking Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.
- Where
- Gujarat Vidyapith in Gujarat.
- Why
- Singh was discussing khadi’s historical role, its revival and its connection to Gandhi’s vision of economic empowerment and local production.
- Reported sales increase
- About 500% over the past 10 to 12 years, according to Harivansh Singh.
- KVIC data
- Provisional data indicated a 501% increase in khadi sales between 2013-14 and 2025-26.
- Event venue
- Gujarat Vidyapith.
- Occasion
- Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.
- Government slogan
- “Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion, Khadi for Transformation.”
- One District One Product
- Singh said 1,244 products had been identified across 773 districts.
- Startups and jobs
- Singh said women were direct participants or stakeholders in 50% of startups, which had generated 25 lakh jobs.