I have the greatest pleasure in inaugurating the first meeting of the newly constituted Khadi and Village Industries Board. I believe that the development of Khadi and Village Industries in India is of paramount importance not only to the unemployment problem in the country but to the advancement of the nation as a whole.
However much we might develop our big industries, there is still considerable scope for the expansion of village industries in a country like India. The question (1) is one of co-ordinating the small Industries in the overall economy of the country. We are all anxious to develop Khadi and other small industries, Not for the sake of a ‘show’ or for results. No modern nation, however, can retain its freedom without the help of large-scale industries which should be State-owned and State-controlled.
We sincerely believe that small industries can help considerably in the economic (2) advancement of the nation. As you know, unemployment presents our most difficult problem today and the development of village industries could certainly play a prominent role in solving it. Indeed, the Welfare State has no meaning unless every individual is employed and takes part in nation-building activities. I do not think there will be any conflict between big industry and village industry, provided there is proper co-operation.
I have heard complaints that the Government has not given adequate help to the Khadi and village industries. If these industries depend for their development and existence solely on Government help and have no inherent strength or vitality of their own, they cannot survive for long. It is for the workers employed in the khadi and village industries to think seriously about this problem and its psychological.
