New RSS uniform: Khadi body eyes Rs 1,000 crore order

MUMBAI: The change in uniform announced by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), from khaki knickers to brown trousers, may also transform the fortunes of lakhs of khadi weavers. Khadi Village and Industries Commission ( KVIC), a statutory body tasked with its promotion, among other things, has formally initiated talks with the Sangh leadership to supply cloth for the new uniform to RSS members.

Going by the fact that there are roughly over one crore active swayamsevaks, KVIC chairman Vinay Kumar Saxena said he was looking at securing business of at least Rs 1,000 crore with deal, which will mean better earnings for the weavers who currently earn a meagre Rs 100 to 150 a day.

“I am already talking to the RSS brass, though the deal is yet to be finalised.Besides business for KVIC, it will bring additional wages for hand-spinners in villages,“ he said.