MUMBAI — Addressing women artisans at an event in Mumbai, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman Manoj Goyal praised Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad as a beacon of women-led empowerment and a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.

Speaking as the chief guest at the Sri Shanmukhananda Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Auditorium in Sion (East) on Wednesday, Goyal applauded the dedication of the organisation’s workers and highlighted their pivotal role in driving economic self-reliance across the nation.

“Lijjat does not merely make papads; it weaves together dignity, self-confidence, and opportunity,” Goyal said, adding that quality, discipline, and hard work remain the foundation of the institution’s success.

From ₹80 Capital to Global Reach

Tracing the history of the movement, Goyal noted that Lijjat Papad was founded on March 15, 1959, by seven women with a starting capital of just ₹80. What began as a modest attempt to achieve financial independence received significant momentum when KVIC recognized it as a Village Industry in 1966.

Today, Lijjat operates 83 branches across 16 states, enabling more than 45,000 women to earn a livelihood and achieve economic independence.

Beyond its iconic papads, the enterprise has diversified into spices, flour, detergent, and liquid soaps. Its footprint extends to over 30 countries, including the United States, Australia, Japan, and South Africa—serving as an inspiring example of moving from “Local to Global.”

The organization’s national impact has earned it numerous prestigious honors, including the Best Village Industry Award (2003), the Brand Equity Award (2005), and the Women Development Award (2017).

KVIC’s Expanding Footprint and Support

During his address, Goyal also shared key metrics detailing the broader growth of the Khadi and village industry ecosystem under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises:

• Artisan Employment: Nearly 5 lakh artisans are currently employed across approximately 3,000 Khadi institutions nationwide, with women accounting for 80% of the workforce.
• Wage Growth: Over the past 12 years, wages for Khadi artisans have increased by up to 275%.
• Sector Growth: Total production in the Khadi and Village Industries sector has scaled to approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore, while total sales have touched ₹1.87 lakh crore.
• Toolkit & Machine Distribution: More than 3.23 lakh machines and toolkits have been distributed to artisans under the Village Industry Development Scheme in the last 12 years.
• PMEGP Impact: Under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), nearly 11 lakh new projects have been established with over ₹30,000 crore disbursed in subsidies, generating employment for roughly 1 crore individuals.