The Finance Minister observed that the government is committed to increase self-employment opportunities in a big way and boosting Khadi and Village Industries sector will be a key element in future strategy. Shri Sinha assured Dr. Sharma that KVIC would have to play a very important role in coming years, as KVIC is best equipped with its rich experience, Gandhian heritage, vast marketing infrastructure and institutional base.

    KVIC Chairman apprised Finance Minister regarding the successful Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP) where KVIC, State Boards and Banks are working together for starting rural industry ventures throughout the country. Dr. Sharma told that more than 1,25,000 new units have come up during the last four years generating about 12 lakh new employment in rural areas.

    Dr. Sharma emphasized the need to upgrade Wardha Institute as a National Institute for Rural Industrialisation. The institute was initiated by Mahatama Gandhi in 1935 as All India Village Industries Association, but it could not maintain its original momentum and gradually reduced to a very limited role and activity. Now, KVIC has engaged IIT, Delhi on a turn-key basis to develop it as a premier institution of the country. FM promised to look into this matter as it would provide the desired boost for technological upgradation and enhancing the management capability of KVI Sector.

    Dr. Sharma observed that it was a very productive pre-budget meeting with FM and expressed full satisfaction with the response given by Shri Sinha.