Ijraset Journal For Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology
Authors: Shashi Shekhar Murmu
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2024.58607
Certificate: View Certificate
This research investigates the significant role of India\'s Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in stimulating entrepreneurship within the rural economy. Established by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), KVIC acts as a key player in promoting and developing both khadi (hand-spun and hand-woven cloth) and village industries in rural regions. Through a thorough analysis of KVIC\'s initiatives and their resulting impact, this study aims to clarify the commission\'s contribution to creating jobs. To achieve this, the research utilizes secondary data from the annual reports of MSMEs between 2018-19 and 2022-23. By employing correlation and regression analyses, the research examines the influence of Khadi and village industries on generating employment opportunities.
I. INTRODUCTION
Entrepreneurship is a dynamic concept involving individuals who innovate, take calculated risks, and manage resources to create new ventures, products, or services. It involves identifying market opportunities, proactively bringing novel solutions, and embracing change. Successful entrepreneurs manage resources effectively, demonstrating persistence despite setbacks. They aim to create value not only in economic terms but also in addressing social and environmental issues, making entrepreneurship a catalyst for economic growth and positive societal change. Rural economies are primarily based on agriculture, natural resources, and traditional industries. Agriculture is the primary economic activity, providing food production and employment. Natural resource-based industries like forestry, mining, and fishing also contribute to livelihoods. Small-scale enterprises, such as cottage industries and traditional crafts, preserve cultural traditions. Despite challenges like infrastructure deficits and lack of transportation, rural economies maintain cultural richness and traditions. Balancing economic growth with sustainability and preserving cultural traditions remains a key goal for rural areas. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a legally established body in India, with its foundation rooted in the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956 (Act No. 61 of 1956). KVIC operates as a statutory body under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME). Its primary mission is to foster and nurture khadi and village industries in rural areas, aiming to generate employment opportunities and bolster the rural economy. Recognized as a leading entity within the decentralized sector, KVIC plays a pivotal role in creating sustainable, non-farm employment prospects in rural regions, all with a relatively modest per capita investment. KVIC's multifaceted activities encompass skill development, technology dissemination, research and development, marketing, and more, all geared toward facilitating the growth of employment and self-employment opportunities in rural areas.
A. Historical Background of KVIC
KVIC's mission is to plan, promote, organise, and aid in the establishment and development of rural khadi and village industries. It aimed to offer rural communities with long-term work possibilities, alleviate poverty, and narrow the urban-rural economic divide.
B. Key Functions of KVIC
II. ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN RURAL ECONOMY
Entrepreneurship encompasses the scholarly examination of the identification, assessment, and exploitation of opportunities to create future goods and services, exploring the roles of individuals involved and the resulting outcomes. (Venkataraman, 1997). Rural entrepreneurship is a vital force of economic and social change in rural areas. It involves a variety of business ventures, from traditional agriculture to innovative startups and services. These initiatives provide jobs, minimising reliance on a single sector and strengthening the local economy's resilience. Rural entrepreneurs also generate income for both entrepreneurs and the local community, improving living standards, purchasing power, and poverty reduction. They also expand their reach beyond local boundaries, reducing market limitations and increasing revenue.
Rural entrepreneurship also fosters innovation and adaptation, finding creative solutions to local challenges and adapting to changing market demands. Many entrepreneurs prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness, creating niche markets for eco-friendly products and services. Rural entrepreneurs also show a strong commitment to community development, investing in local infrastructure, supporting education, and participating in social initiatives.
However, rural entrepreneurship faces challenges such as limited capital access, infrastructure deficits, and market constraints. Overcoming these hurdles often requires innovation, collaboration, and government support through rural entrepreneurship development programs. Rural entrepreneurship is a dynamic force that drives economic growth, community development, and social improvement, preserving cultural heritage, encouraging sustainable practices, and strengthening social fabric.
Encouraging entrepreneurship is seen as the solution to foster self-employment. It not only tackles the problem of enduring unemployment among educated youth but also contributes to sustaining economic advancement and strengthening the competitiveness of industries in the age of globalization and liberalization. (Petrin, 1994.) The fundamental principles guiding entrepreneurs in the context of rural development include:
III. RATIONALE OF THE STUDY
In recent years, rural development institutions and organizations have been focusing more on entrepreneurship as an effective way of accelerating the process of rural development. (Sunder,2011) The study focuses on the role of KVIC in promoting economic development in rural India, addressing challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to modern industries. It also examines the role of the KVIC in India's rural economy, focusing on its contribution to economic development. It also examines the alignment of government policies and initiatives with KVIC's objectives, aiming to determine their impact on the rural economy and inform policy discussions. It also highlights the challenges faced by KVIC, such as competition from modern industries and infrastructure development.
A. Importance of the Study
The research problem is crucial in understanding the contribution of the KVIC to rural development, focusing on economic growth and social well-being. The findings can inform policymakers and government bodies, providing insights into the effectiveness of KVIC's initiatives and how they can be improved to better serve the rural economy. The focus on sustainability and traditional practices is vital in addressing global environmental concerns and preserving India's cultural heritage. The study also emphasizes the role of micro and small enterprises in fostering economic inclusivity, especially in regions with historically marginalized populations. The research can offer a global perspective, serving as a model for other countries facing similar challenges in rural development. By sharing best practices and success stories, this research can contribute to a collective effort to uplift rural communities on a global scale. The importance of this research problem transcends national boundaries, making it a topic of relevance and interest for the international community.
IV. OBJECTIVES
V. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Patel & Chavda (2013) observes rural entrepreneurship to be crucial in India as it addresses underdevelopment and unemployment. Local leaders and NGOs have played a role in promoting development, but more needs to be done to encourage people to return to rural areas. Globalization can impact rural entrepreneurship through productivity, economic growth, and technological effects, but challenges include lack of affordable facilities, limited credit, high transportation costs, and cultural values prioritizing traditional ways of life. Opportunities for rural businesses include free entry into global trade, greater risk-taking abilities, government help, and specialisation benefits. However, rural entrepreneurs face financial, communication, management, and human resources issues.
Meena et.al., (2021) concluded that Indian MSMEs contribute to industrial growth, employment, and investment, particularly in tribal areas, accounting for 90% of the economy. The government has started steps to streamline registration and boost networking for the 633.9 lakh MSMEs, 95% of which are self-owned. However, issues such as infrastructure and product standards remain. Successful female businesses should concentrate on internal marketing skills and create partnerships with government agencies. The government has taken steps to assist indigenous enterprises, but reforms are required to eliminate beneficiaries and fraud.
Aggarwal (2013) This research investigates the influence of rural entrepreneurship development programs on the promotion, development, and sustenance of micro and small village enterprises in Haryana, India. The research covers the districts of Rewari, Mahendergarh, and Gurgaon, with 360 respondents selected from selected villages. The development of rural entrepreneurship is directed at establishing social and economic equity in rural regions by promoting micro and small village industries (MSVEs), leveraging the full potential of local resources. The Indian government has implemented various programs to provide employment opportunities in rural areas, including the REGP, PM's Rozgar Yojna (PMRY), and the Rural Entrepreneurship Development Program (REDP). However, despite the success of these programs, a significant number of individuals chose not to pursue self-employment endeavours, highlighting the need for improved institutional setups and training programs for rural entrepreneurship.
Tambunan (2019) The paper examines the development of MSMEs in Indonesia. MSMEs are vital for rural economic development, attracting workers and promoting entrepreneurship and business skills. Nevertheless, they encounter obstacles such as constrained access to financial loans and challenges in marketing their products. The Indonesian government has implemented measures to support MSMEs, including regulations and an open credit guarantee scheme without the requirement of collateral. Despite a significant increase in exports, MSMEs' share in Indonesian total exports has never reached 19%. Women entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas, are crucial for poverty reduction and economic growth. However, their engagement in MSMEs is still lower than men, largely due to cultural factors. Policymakers should prioritize capacity building in MSMEs, including training programs, alternative funding, technical and non-technical assistance, and raw material availability.
Patel & Tripathi (2022) studies MSME sector in India which has significantly contributed to the country's economic and social change over the past five decades. However, challenges include under-representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, lack of infrastructure, access to low-cost financing, stiff competition, and recruitment of skilled manpower. The Covid-19 pandemic has further impacted MSMEs, with suspended operations, supply-chain disruptions, labour shortages, cash flow crunch, and lower demands for goods and services. The study focuses on the impact of government initiatives and growth impetus on the innovation potential of rapidly growing MSMEs, start-up companies, and private industries in conductive GDP growth.
Sarma &Talukdar (2013) observes SMEs are important for economic growth and for generating employment. In India, SMEs make up 95% of enterprises but rank 46th in a Fortune Small Business Survey. A study in Assam analysed data on KVIC and its rural employment schemes, revealing an increase in unit’s setup and employment generation. The study suggests larger geographical areas lead to more participants joining EDP training, promoting data mining technology for strategic planning and improving efficiency in KVIC-like organizations.
VI. ROLE OF KVIC IN RURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
KVIC plays a crucial role in promoting rural entrepreneurship in India. Rural entrepreneurship fosters local talent and the expansion of indigenous businesses by identifying possibilities in rural areas and accelerating unique resource combinations within and outside of agriculture. (Das, & Mili,2021). Rural entrepreneurship is characterized by the emergence of entrepreneurial activities in rural regions, driven by innovation, invention, and development. These activities revolve around the production of cost-effective manufactured goods, the stimulation of exports, and the generation of employment opportunities for a significant portion of the population, ultimately contributing to the achievement of "Sustainable Economic Development." Its multifaceted initiatives and support systems contribute significantly to the empowerment of rural communities and the development of small-scale businesses. The KVIC plays a pivotal role in promoting rural entrepreneurship in India. Through a multifaceted approach, KVIC empowers rural communities by providing them with the necessary tools and support to establish and grow their businesses. This includes financial assistance, skill development programs, and access to markets through KVIC outlets. KVIC's promotion of Khadi, a symbol of sustainable and eco-friendly fabric, not only boosts the textile industry but also provides a source of livelihood for numerous artisans. By nurturing micro and small enterprises, encouraging traditional crafts, and advocating for sustainable practices, KVIC contributes significantly to rural employment generation, poverty reduction, and economic growth. Furthermore, KVIC's efforts facilitate the preservation of traditional skills and cultural heritage, ultimately fostering balanced and sustainable rural-urban economic development across India.
VII. KHADI AND VILLAGE INDUSTRIES
Khadi and Village Industries represent two vital sectors in India's economic and cultural landscape. Khadi, a hand-spun and handwoven fabric, holds historical significance as a symbol of India's freedom movement and represents sustainability and tradition. It's produced through labour-intensive methods in rural areas, offering employment opportunities and preserving traditional textile skills. In parallel, Village Industries encompass a wide array of small-scale rural enterprises, including food processing, handicrafts, and agro-based activities. These industries stimulate self-employment, economic diversification, and skill preservation. Both sectors share the common objective of promoting rural entrepreneurship and employment, often overseen by the KVIC. Together, Khadi and Village Industries contribute to rural development, income generation, and the conservation of India's cultural heritage, emphasizing sustainable and eco-friendly economic activities while enriching the lives of those in rural communities.
VIII. BARRIERS AND OPPORUNITIES
Rural entrepreneurs in the KVIC face various barriers, including lack of access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, skill and training gaps, marketing challenges, restricted access to technology and modern machinery, regulatory hurdles, supply chain management, competition from larger players, seasonal and environmental factors, and lack of institutional support. Financial institutions often hesitate to extend loans due to collateral and perceived risk, affecting the growth and sustainability of their businesses. Inadequate infrastructure, including poor road connectivity, intermittent electricity supply, and limited communication networks, also hinders business efficiency. Skilled and trained entrepreneurs often lack the necessary skills and knowledge to run successful enterprises, with limited access to effective training programs. Marketing challenges, such as reaching wider markets and competing with established businesses, also affect their growth. Regulatory hurdles, such as bureaucratic obstacles and complex government regulations, can stifle rural businesses' growth. Supply chain management issues can lead to operational inefficiencies and cost overruns. Seasonal and environmental factors also impact rural businesses, making them vulnerable to fluctuations in climate and crop yields. Lack of institutional support from organizations like KVIC can further limit growth opportunities.
Rural entrepreneurs in the KVIC sector can expand their businesses through government support, financial assistance, training programs, and marketing opportunities. Traditional knowledge and skills in rural areas can be leveraged to create unique and culturally significant products. Access to local resources at lower costs is beneficial for businesses relying on agricultural or cottage industry activities. KVIC promotes eco-friendly practices, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. KVIC products, such as khadi clothing and handcrafted items, cater to both domestic and international consumers.
Export opportunities, such as e-commerce and globalization, diversify revenue sources and expand business reach beyond national borders. KVIC initiatives empower women in rural areas by providing training and support. Technological integration and innovation can help rural entrepreneurs expand their reach and connect with a wider audience. Cluster development can lead to economies of scale and improved marketing efforts. Government initiatives and subsidies, such as the PM's Employment Generation Programme and the markets and Development Assistance scheme, support rural entrepreneurship.
IX. SCHEMES TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT KHADI AND VILLAGE INDUSTRIES
“The future of India lies in its villages” as correctly said by Mahatma Gandhi. So, it becomes necessary to develop KVIC. When it comes to infusing creativity and innovation into the realm of entrepreneurship, robust financial support, technology integration, and strategic planning are indispensable elements for fostering entrepreneurial development and achieving success. (Nnadi, 2014).
X. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This study employs a quantitative research design to investigate the entrepreneurial role of the KVIC in the rural economy. The research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to establish relationships, correlations, and regression models. The research is analytical as well as descriptive. Secondary data was collected from MSMEs' annual reports for 2018-2023 for this study. The data collected of the year 2023 is estimated accordingly in the annual report. Correlation analysis is used to assess the relationships between sales and employment generation. For this, Pearson correlation coefficients is calculated. This will help determine the strength and direction of associations. Bivariate regression analysis will be used to develop predictive models. The dependent variable will be sales and independent variables will be employment generation. Statistical software SPSS is employed for data analysis. Correlation coefficients, regression equations, and relevant statistical tests will be generated.
Following equation is used to run the Correlation test
r = Σ [(x - x?) (y - ?)] / [√Σ (x - x?) ² * Σ (y - ?) ²]
where:
A. Hypothesis
Table 1: Comparative Performance of Khadi & Village Industries over 5 years
(Rupees in crore and Employment in lakh persons)
SL. NO |
INDUSTRY |
2018-19 |
2019-20 |
2020-21 |
2021-22 |
2022-23 (estimated till 31/03/23) |
||||
1. |
PRODUCTION |
|
|
|
|
|
||||
A. |
Khadi |
1765.51 |
2058.53 |
1668.61 |
2275.74 |
2400.00 |
||||
B. |
Polyvastra |
191.70 |
258.94 |
230.51 |
275.62 |
343.00 |
||||
C. |
Solarvastra |
6.09 |
6.77 |
5.37 |
6.95 |
7.00 |
||||
Total Khadi, Polyvastra & Solarvastra |
1963.30 |
2324.24 |
1904.49 |
2558.31 |
2750.00 |
|||||
D. |
Village industries |
56167.04 |
65343.07 |
70330.66 |
81731.62 |
94162.13 |
||||
|
TOTAL KVI PRODUCTION |
58130.34 |
67667.31 |
72235.15 |
84289.93 |
96912.13 |
||||
2. |
SALES |
|
|
|
|
|
||||
A. |
Khadi |
2854.19 |
3634.41 |
3085.53 |
4366.06 |
4650.00 |
||||
B. |
Polyvastra |
355.47 |
570.92 |
436.52 |
678.38 |
842.00 |
||||
C. |
Solarvastra |
5.47 |
5.93 |
5.66 |
7.28 |
8.00 |
||||
Total Khadi, Polyvastra & Solarvastra |
3215.13 |
4211.26 |
3527.71 |
5051.72 |
5500.00 |
|||||
D. |
Village industries |
71076.96 |
84664.28 |
92213.65 |
110363.51 |
125901.65 |
||||
|
TOTAL KVI SALES |
74292.09 |
88875.54 |
95741.36 |
115415.23 |
131401.65 |
||||
3. |
EMPLOYMENT |
|
|
|
|
|
||||
A. |
Khadi |
4.60 |
4.61 |
4.61 |
4.61 |
4.62 |
||||
B. |
Polyvastra |
0.30 |
0.30 |
0.30 |
0.30 |
0.30 |
||||
C. |
Solarvastra |
0.06 |
0.06 |
0.06 |
0.06 |
0.06 |
||||
Total Khadi, Polyvastra & Solarvastra |
4.96 |
4.97 |
4.97 |
4.97 |
4.98 |
|||||
D. |
Village industries |
142.03 |
147.76 |
154.09 |
162.64 |
170.71 |
||||
|
TOTAL KVI EMPLOYMENT |
146.99 |
152.73 |
159.06 |
167.61 |
175.69 |
Source: MSMEs Annual Report 2023
Table 2: KHADI SECTOR: Production, Sales and Employment
(Rupees in crore and Employment in lakh persons)
YEAR |
PRODUCTION |
SALES |
EMPLOYMENT |
2018-19 |
1963.30 |
3215.13 |
4.96 |
2019-20 |
2324.24 |
4211.26 |
4.97 |
2020-21 |
1904.49 |
3527.71 |
4.97 |
2021-22 |
2558.31 |
5051.72 |
4.97 |
2022-23 (Projected up to 31/03/2023) |
2750.00 |
5500.00 |
4.98 |
TOTAL |
11,500.34 |
21505.82 |
24.85 |
Source: MSMEs Annual Report 2023
The table provided indicates an R-squared value of 0.964, suggesting that the independent variable, in this case, employment (E), accounts for approximately 96.4% of the difference in the dependent variable, sales (S). Additionally, the p-value, which stands at 0.000, is below the significance level of 0.05, indicating a highly significant relationship between the independent variable (employment) and the dependent variable (sales).
The beta value is calculated as 0.982, signifying that a one-unit change in the independent variable (E) results in a change of approximately 0.982 units in the dependent variable (S). Notably, the positive beta value signifies a positive relationship between Employment and Sales. In simpler terms, when Employment increases by one unit, Sales are also expected to increase by approximately 0.982 units.
XII. SUGGESTION
Some of the suggestions for enhancing the entrepreneurship role of the KVIC in the rural economy:
In conclusion, the entrepreneurship role of the KVIC in the rural economy of India is undeniably significant and multifaceted. It plays a crucial role in India\'s rural economy, empowering rural entrepreneurs, preserving traditional skills, and fostering economic growth. The organization\'s support includes skill development, access to finance, and market linkages, which not only provide employment opportunities but also foster a culture of self-reliance and entrepreneurship. KVIC\'s initiatives have led to consistent growth in production, sales, and employment figures, with rural entrepreneurs creating diverse products that appeal to both domestic and international consumers. The sector\'s commitment to eco-friendly practices aligns with global trends. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in addressing challenges related to finance, enhancing training programs, and diversifying product offerings. KVIC\'s role in the rural economy will likely grow as it evolves and innovates, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable economic landscape in India.
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Copyright © 2024 Shashi Shekhar Murmu. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Paper Id : IJRASET58607
Publish Date : 2024-02-25
ISSN : 2321-9653
Publisher Name : IJRASET
DOI Link : Click Here