New Delhi, Dec 9 (UNI) With Khadi’s acceptance quickly catching pace in government offices, Delhi Police has become the latest government agency to adopt the humble hand-woven natural fibre cloth, in the form of whole nine yards!
The uniformed service is purchasing elegant Khadi Silk Sarees for its women front desk executives, a statement issued by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises said here on Wednesday.
According to the Ministry, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has received a purchase order for 836 Khadi Silk saris worth Rs 25 lakh from Delhi Police, which will be supplied in less than two months.
The dual-tone saris will be made of high quality Tasar-Katia Silk. The sample of the sari was provided by Delhi Police, which was accordingly developed by KVIC and approved by Delhi Police. The saris will have a mix of natural colour of Tasar Silk and Katia Silk in pink colour.
KVIC Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena said the latest purchase order from Delhi Police shows the growing popularity of Khadi, which will go on to strengthen the Khadi artisans.
‘Over the years, Khadi has become a trendsetter. Khadi is handcrafted and therefore, is the most comfortable fabric. Not only common people, particularly youngsters, but various government bodies too have adopted Khadi. This is a big boost to our artisans spinning and weaving Khadi in remotest parts of the country,’ Mr Saxena said.
The Tasar-Katia Silk saris for Delhi police are being prepared by traditional artisans in West Bengal. Tasar- Katia Silk is a dual-tone fabric, made with a blend of Tussar and Katia silk, he added.
According to the KVIC Chairman, Khadi is mostly woven by traditional artisans and identified by thick and heavy texture, created by using two different threads of Tasar and Katia.
Its rugged and rustic appearance, but porous weave make this fabric perfect to wear in all weathers, he added.
Earlier, the KVIC entered into agreements with the Indian Railways, the Health Ministry, the Indian Postal department, Air India and other government agencies for supplying Khadi products, including bed sheets and uniforms.
KVIC has been preparing uniforms for the crew members and staff of national carrier Air India. Khadi India has also designed and prepared uniforms for over 90,000 postmen/postwomen in the country, which is now also available online, said Mr Saxena.
