Firoz Rozindar
BIJAPUR; Oct 1: For the last nearly two decades, Mallamma Dalawai has been working in Khadi Unit here which prepare yarn for the khadi products.
Having spent a good share of her life in working at the government-funded Khadi Bhandar of the city, Mallamma’s hands so far have prepares tonnes of yarn in two decades.
Started in 1956, this Khadi Bhandar, located in Bijapur city, has been not only providing employment to hundreds of people but also keeping the tradition of Khadi alive, the tradition which was started by Mahatma Gandhi whose 151st birth anniversary is being celebrated on October 2.
Khadi Gyamodyoga Mandali of the district which has given employment to over 500 persons like Mallamma, the oldest yarn making unit of the district is still serving.
“ We are happy to keep the tradition of Gandhi alive. Khadi is pride of India and we are fortunate to associate with this village industry”, said S. L. Hiremath, the Secretary of Khadi Gramodyoga Mandali.
He said that former leaders of the district including B. D. Jatti and B. M. Patil helped in establishment and development of this unit here.
“ Today we are using semi-mechanized machines for making yarn, but in the past, the women were using wooden tools to prepare yarn. But over the period of time, machines were introduced for yarns. This make the work little easier”, he said.
Hiremath said that Mandali has transaction of over 1.5 crore. Mandali gets order from Railway departments for preparing bed sheets and other products.
“ We are making sure that the demand is met, which helps in earning livelihood for several families depending on Khadi”, he said.
Informing that a woman earns around Rs. 6000 to Rs. 8000 a month by preparing yarn, he said t hat Khadi units helps women make extra earning for the family. “ In fact, we have widows who making living by working here”, he said.
Hiremath informed that anybody, mainly women who are interest to work and earn at the units, can approach. “We will give them training in yarn making and allow them to work here. With extra earning they can support their families”, he said.
