KKGSS Khadi Flag Revenue Drops to Rs 63 Lakh as Cheaper Fabrics Hit Demand

Revenue from the production and sale of traditional khadi national flags has plummeted across Karnataka, with the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha reporting that its income dropped from around Rs 3.5 crore four years ago to Rs 63 lakh now.

The decline follows a December 2021 amendment to the Flag Code of India, which permitted the manufacture and sale of polyester and machine-made national flags alongside traditional khadi. The rule change has led to mass-produced flags dominating the market ahead of Independence Day celebrations, leaving traditional weaving centres struggling to compete.

The economic downturn is affecting roughly 600 weavers who produce the specialised white fabric for national flags at weaving centres in Tulasigeri and Jalihal in Bagalkot district. The woven cloth is transported to Bengeri in Hubballi, where the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha dyes and finishes it into certified Tricolours.

According to Shivanand Mathapati, Secretary of the organisation, weavers receive Rs 35.20 per metre alongside a state incentive of Rs 7 per metre. Producing an average of 10 metres per day, a weaver earns approximately Rs 422 daily, an income that struggles to match prevailing wages in agricultural and construction sectors.

The organisation reported that retaining workers, many of whom are women, has become increasingly difficult. Compounding the financial pressure, around Rs 1.60 crore in government grants linked to national flag production remains pending. Mathapati has urged both the Central and State governments to provide dedicated grants and financial assistance to help sustain traditional weaving centres.