The Karnataka government has taken an important decision to promote Khadi. In the circular issued by the government, it said that all employees and officers should come to office on the first Saturday of every month “of their own free will” wearing clothes made of Khadi. The purpose of this decision is to promote clothes made from Khadi and its related products.
Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh issued a circular in this regard yesterday Thursday. Also told that government employees and officers will be encouraged to wear Khadi on Independence Day, Republic Day and other government programs.
According to the circular, "On the auspicious occasion of the 77th Republic Day, with a view to reconnect the public service to the country's freedom struggle, the state government has taken an important decision to promote the use of Khadi. All officers and employees of all government, aided institutions, corporations, boards, autonomous institutions and universities in the state have been asked to wear Khadi 'as per their choice' on the first Saturday of every month."
Also according to the circular, “Officers and employees of their departments have been asked to instruct them to wear Khadi while participating in all government programs including Independence Day and Republic Day.” It also expressed hope that this step will help in creating a sense of respect, unity, national spirit, Indianness, self-respect and social responsibility for indigenous products among government officials and employees.
Karnataka State Government Employees Association on Thursday said on the sidelines of this circular that with the aim of promoting Khadi products, a meeting was held yesterday under the leadership of the Chief Secretary regarding voluntary wearing of Khadi clothes by officers and employees of government and government-owned corporations, authorities, universities and aided institutions.
The union issued a statement saying, "All officers and employees will do duty wearing Khadi clothes on the first Saturday of every month. Khadi clothes will be purchased from the shops of the government-owned Khadi Village Industries Board only." It was also said that in addition to the discount currently being given by the Khadi Village Industries Board, an additional discount of 5 percent will be given to officers and employees.
The recommended clothing for male employees in Karnataka is shirts, trousers, overcoats and other formal clothes made of khadi, while female employees can wear khadi or khadi silk sarees, churidars and other formal clothes. This initiative will be formally launched on 21st April on Government Employees Day.
