The rakhi industry of Kalna is going places. Compared to last year, the demand has almost doubled, for which the State Government has played a leading role. The sales are also increasing.
Last year, the Youth Affairs Department had promoted Biswa Bangla Rakhis made by these women. As a result, this year, the demand has been much more.
Kalna, in the district of Purba Bardhaman, has been a traditional hub for making rakhis. It is mostly women who make the rachis. In fact, more than 1,000 women are engaged in this cottage industry currently.
By actively promoting the industry, the Government is also enabling sustainable self-employment for these women. The West Bengal Khadi and Village Industries Board (WBKVIB), under the State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Textiles Department, is doing the needful.
WBKVIB has helped has set up a Common Facility Centre at a cost of Rs 75 lakh for offering technical know how on how to make the industry viable. The board is also providing working capital and online support.
Source: Aajkaal
