Mumbai: Seven-decade-old emporium banned from selling Khadi products

The commission, which is under the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, has in recent years adopted a “zero tolerance” policy against the sale of counterfeit or non-khadi products and has taken action against the “oldest khadi institution”. Which is almost seven decades old.

“It was noticed by KVIC that the said Khadi Emporium at Dr. DN Road was selling non-Khadi products under the guise of genuine Khadi. During routine inspection, KVIC officials collected samples from the Emporium which were found to be non-Khadi products,” The statement said.

It said that KVIC issued a legal notice to the Mumbai Khadi and Village Industries Association, which was running the emporium, for violating the norms of “Khadi Certificate” and “Khadi Mark Certificate” issued by the commission.

“With the cancellation of registration, Khadi Emporium is no longer a genuine Khadi outlet and is no longer allowed to sell Khadi products from the Emporium,” the statement said.

KVIC is also contemplating legal action against MKVIA for criminal breach of trust and defrauding the public by misusing the credibility and popularity of the Khadi brand.

MKVIA was entrusted with the operation and management of KVIC in 1954 under “strict conditions” that it would sell only genuine products, but of late, it indulged in unfair trade practices by selling counterfeit Khadi products, thus allowing those who were under the impression that this emporium was being run by KVIC, the statement said.

The emporium was established in 1954 and sells a range of Khadi products including clothing, furniture, toiletries and other handicrafts, for which it remains a favorite of buyers, even with private labels dedicated to the legacy linen brand. spread has taken place.

Owing to its years old existence, the Emporium at Dr DN Road is a landmark in itself.

As part of its campaign, KVIC has so far issued legal notices to over 1,200 entities, including a 500 crore damages is being sought from IPO-bound retail brand Fabindia for misusing the “Khadi” brand and selling non-Khadi products in the name of “Khadi”, which has been challenged in the Bombay High Court, the statement said. Has been. Last year, KVIC forced online shopping portals – Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal – to remove 140 web links that were selling non-Khadi products as “khadi”. Several violators apologized and pledged not to use the brand name “Khadi”. “Future, the statement said, attributed it to the actions of KVIC.

With inputs from agencies.