Karnataka govt asks staff to wear khadi on first Saturday of every month

Representational picture

In a move to promote khadi and strengthen its link with India’s freedom struggle, Karnataka government has asked all officers and employees of government, aided institutions, corporations, boards, autonomous bodies and universities to wear khadi on the first Saturday of every month.

The directive, issued through a circular dated January 29 by chief secretary Shalini Rajneesh, also instructs departments to ensure that officers and staff wear khadi while participating in official government programmes, including Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations.

Describing khadi as more than just a garment, the circular states that it is a symbol of national honour and pride, and a key pillar of the rural economy, providing direct and indirect livelihoods to thousands of spinners and weavers across the state. It notes that khadi weavers are increasingly adopting new designs and styles, making the fabric more contemporary.

The decision was taken on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, with the objective of reconnecting public service with the ideals of the freedom movement. The government hopes the initiative will foster respect for indigenous products and instil a sense of unity, national sentiment, self-respect and social responsibility among government employees. Details of the 176 khadi organisations operating across Karnataka, including their addresses and products, are available on the state khadi department’s website, it adds.