₹40 crore to revive Badanavalu Khadi centre

The Khadi centre at Badanavalu.
| Photo Credit: M.A. SRIRAM

The Khadi centre at Badanavalu, which is languishing in neglect, received a boost of ₹40 crore with the State Cabinet giving nod for its revival.

The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting held at M.M. Hills on Thursday. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who announced the grant, said a promise was made during the visit of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi when he had embarked on the Bharat Jodo Yatra. The Congress leader had celebrated Gandhi Jayanti in 2022 and had held extensive interactions with the women employees of the Centre.

As per the promise made for its revival, the Khadi centre will receive ₹40 crore, of which ₹20 crore will be released during this financial year and another ₹20 crore during 2026-27.

Badanavalu is one of the oldest khadi spinning centres in Nanjangud taluk and rose to fame when Mahatma Gandhi visited it during his tour of the region in 1927 and again in 1932. The Khadi centre was established by freedom fighter Tagadur Ramachandra Rao, who was inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.

However, in recent decades the centre was a picture of neglect and though it was meant to be source of economic emancipation of the local people, its fortunes saw a steady decline. This was attributed to decline in demand and increase in cost of labour.