GUWAHATI: To instil a sense of nationalism among the students of the frontier state, Arunachal Pradesh government has purchased 60,000 high quality khadi cotton face masks in tri-color for school children before re-opening of schools from November 16.
“The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has decided to open schools for class 10th and 12th from 16th November 2020, and also accorded approval for procurement of 60,000 Khadi Cotton face masks from KVIC for the school children,” says the purchase order issued by the state government to Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
The ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises in a statement said, “Thousands of school children in Arunachal Pradesh will be sporting tri-color khadi face masks as they return to their schools for the first time post Covid-19 lockdown. Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has supplied 60,000 high quality khadi cotton face masks for school children as the Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to reopen schools from November 16.”
The ministry adds, “This purchase order assumes great significance as this is for the first time that a state government in north east India has purchased such a huge quantity of khadi face masks for its students. The purchase order was issued on November 3, and in just six days, KVIC has supplied the requisite masks to the government considering the urgency involved. In order to ensure timely delivery of masks, KVIC has dispatched the consignment by air.”
“The face masks in tri-color also aims at instilling a sense of nationalism among the students,” the ministry added.
KVIC has specifically used Double Twisted Khadi fabric for manufacturing of these masks as it helps retain 70% of the moisture content inside, while providing an easy passage for the air to pass through. These masks are, therefore, skin-friendly and suitable for long duration use. Khadi cotton face masks are washable, reusable and biodegradable, the ministry said.
KVIC chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena said in the statement that the supply of face masks to Arunachal Pradesh government was accorded top priority as it was meant for the students who will be taking classes from November 16. “This is a prestigious order for KVIC and such big orders create additional job for Khadi artisans. We have supplied the order in just 6 days while ensuring the highest quality standards of face masks,” Saxena said.
KVIC has so far sold 23 lakh face masks in just over six months since it was launched in April this year. Owing to the comfort and high quality of face masks, KVIC has received several bulk orders including 12.30 lakh face masks from the Indian Red Cross Society. It has also received repeat orders from Rashtrapati Bhavan, Prime Minister’s Office, several state governments and central government ministries and PSUs apart from the general public.