The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), a body under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, has launched “Seva Sankalp, Khadi Mahotsav-2026” across the country. The month-long celebration runs from September 17 to October 17, 2026, and aims to promote khadi, village industries, and local entrepreneurship through various activities and public engagement.
KVIC Chairman Manoj Goel inaugurated the event at Gandhi Darshan, Rajghat, in New Delhi on September 17, with former Delhi Mayor Jai Prakash also present. The initiative is framed around marking 25 years of public service and governance.
What the government is doing
During the launch, the KVIC disbursed margin money subsidy worth ₹289 crore to 3,366 beneficiaries under the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). These subsidies will support new projects that are expected to create approximately 37,026 jobs. The beneficiaries have also received bank loans totalling roughly ₹873 crore for their ventures.
Five digital initiatives were unveiled to improve accessibility of KVIC services: an E-Commerce Portal, PMEGP Online EDP Portal, PMEGP Online EDP Mobile App, Hindi Vaibhav Portal, and KVIC Digital 2.0.
Additionally, 5,000 new PMEGP units were launched online, and 760 workshops and renovated stores were inaugurated across the country. Machines and toolkits were distributed to artisans in Delhi and the North East.
Throughout the month, the KVIC plans to organise cleanliness drives, tree plantation activities, khadi processions, skill training programmes, and awareness campaigns in schools, villages, and towns. These activities will run alongside the “Swachhata Hi Seva 2026” (Cleanliness is Service) campaign.
What this means for you
If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, the PMEGP scheme offers margin money subsidy and bank loans to start new ventures. Artisans and small producers can benefit from equipment distribution and skills training programmes being conducted nationwide throughout October.
For those interested in khadi and village products, the mahotsav includes exhibitions and online platforms where these goods will be promoted and made more accessible. Schools and communities are being encouraged to participate in related activities and pledge commitments to local and sustainable products.