Vol 2, Issue 1 January 2010 MM GG II RR II Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialisation A National Institute under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Govt. of r e t t e l s w e N

er Excellency, the President of India Smt Contents HPratibhatai Devisingh Patil, during her visit to ‹ MGIRI - it's vision, mission and activity plans .... 2 Amravati on January 7, 2010 took time off to understand the functioning of Solar Charkha ‹ Editorial .... 3 brought out by MGIRI and its potential of bringing ‹ Proposed Khadi Research and Development Institute smile on the faces of the poor. Mr Deep Vijay Varma in .... 3 PSO of MGIRI, who is responsible for the crucial aspects of redesign, is seen explaining the system ‹ The Nation responds to MGIRI's Technologies to the President. (Glimpses of the exhibitions in Nov-Dec 2009) .... 4

‹ General Council of MGIRI meets .... 5

‹ Recent Events / Forthcoming Events .... 6

‹ Staff Orientation - IV …. 7 MGIRI WISHES A HAPPY NEW YEAR ‹ MGIRI in News …. 8

Maganwadi, Wardha-442001, Maharashtra Phone: 07152-253512 Fax: 240328 www.mgiri.org email: [email protected] MGIRI – IT'S VISION, MISSION AND ACTIVITY PLANS

GENESIS

Though MGIRI, started functioning as an autonomous institute under the Ministry of MSME with effect from Oct. 2008, it had its genesis in an institute started by Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle. Bapuji, after withdrawing his active role in Congress (1931), decided to dedicate himself to rural reconstruction for which he considered the revival of village industries fundamental. He established the All India Village Industries Association (AIVIA) in 1934 with Dr J C Kumarappa as its Organiser and Secretary. The 16 acre Maganwadi campus, where presently MGIRI is functioning, became the venue for hundreds of artisans from across the country to share, synthesize and evolve improved techniques related to rural products - be it oil, clothes, paper or cosmetic items. Gandhiji involved international scientists Sir C V Raman, Dr J C Bose along with top-notch industrialists like Mr G D Birla in the advisory Committee of AIVIA thus sending a message that Rural Industrialisation needs the highest level of Science Technology and Industrial Management.

After 22 years of relentless efforts by stalwarts like Dr J C Kumarappa, Dr Devendrakumar, Dr G Ramachandran and others a national effort to replicate the ideas of AIVIA resulted in the creation of the KVIB in 1953 and the KVIC in 1956. The KVIC took upon itself the task of continuing the efforts of AIVIA in the form of an R&D structure called Jamanalal Bajaj Central Research Institute (JBCRI) in the same venue. The JBCRI was created in 1956 through an act of Parliament and strived to provide the needed backup to the rural industries of India. This structure of visualising the rural industries in terms of about twenty and odd activities like khadi, khandsari, handmade paper, soap, leather, carpentry etc. could not cover the range of products in the inventory of modern consumerist world. The Ramakrishnaiah Committee (1987) recommended that any product could be considered as rural as long as the concerned industry has a per capita investment of Rs 50,000 (now raised to Rs 1,00,000 and Rs 1,50,000 for the tribal areas) and is located in a habitat with population less than 20,000 (now raised to 50,000).

The paradigm shift, as explained above, needed an institute capable of dealing with a large number of technologies and industrial contexts involving myriads of materials, manufacturing processes and consumer oriented designs.

A 'hub and spokes' model was considered essential and thus MGIRI was established (by revamping the JBCRI) as a hub linking the rural industries with a network of specialized S&T and management institutions. The entire project of establishment and trial-run took nearly 8 years (2001 to 2008) and was a collaborative effort of the KVIC with IIT Delhi.

MISSION AND VISION OF MGIRI

MGIRI has the mission of building the capacity of the rural industries of India so that they become globally competitive. The vision is to support, upgrade and accelerate the process of rural industrialization in the country so that we may move towards the Gandhian vision of sustainable and self reliant village economy and the products of rural industry gains wide acceptability in the local and global markets.

The objectives of the institute provide for activities that are compatible with the above mission and vision. MGIRI is registered as a society under the Society Registration Act, 1860.

ROADMAP FOR MGIRI

?Set up a strong two-way linkage between itself and the rural industrialists and technical experts in professional Institutes so as to facilitate quick availability of modern science, technology and management inputs for rural industrialization. ?Create a science and technology hub for KVI sector by developing strong linkages and interface with other Institutions in the field of rural industrialization. ?Build a database of technologies available in KVI sector. ?Facilitate setting up of rural industrial estates and clusters with necessary infrastructural facilities like power, specialized tool rooms, testing and marketing facilities. ?Undertake and sponsor projects capable of giving substantial fillip to larger and increased market penetration to selected products of village industry. ?Promote innovation through pilot studies and field trials through research, extension, education and training. ?Conduct specialized human resource development programmes in generic areas such as Total Quality Management, creativity and innovation besides, rural entrepreneurship development. ?Provide Training to Trainers of the Centres of KVIC and Khadi & Village Industries Boards of state governments.

Continued on page 5 ...

Registration details:

Title: MGIRI Newsletter Editor: Dr T Karunakaran Printer: MGIRI, Wardha Periodicity: Monthly Publisher: Dr T Karunakaran Nr.: MAHBIL 05736 / 13-1-2009-TC Language: English / Hindi Place of publication: Wardha Post Regn. Nr.: WDA / 60 / 2010-12

www.mgiri.org 2 EDITORIAL

Similarly since MGIRI is located in Vidarbha, where agriculture has become a puzzle and a challenge, MGIRI evolved an approach nicknamed VIDARBA 'Vidarbha's Industrialization Aimed at Re-stabilization of Burdened Agriculture'. The approach is to treat agriculture and industries as a continuum (say 'Agrindus') implying that the farmer has to be technically enabled to add at least 'one level' of value to his produce. For example the cotton- cultivator, instead of parting with cotton, will sell the 'sliver' instead and will reap much more profit. This 'cotton to garment' movement led to a 'cluster' concept with significant implications to rural economy, rural employment (including the SHGs) and also to issues like global warming.

The innovation agenda and industrialization agenda need the support of a large number of institutions. Therefore GIRI, established for the purpose of making the rural the decision in the General Council to shift the Mindustries globally competitive, has completed one responsibility of coordination of 'MGIRI-interfaces' from year of its autonomous functioning - considering the fact the KVIC to MGIRI is welcome and timely. that IIT Delhi, which handled the project of revamping JBCRI into MGIRI and its trial run, withdrew, effectively, in A large number of institutions are ready to join MGIRI in its December 2008. efforts. A pioneering example, namely NCIC (Nagpur Centre for Industrial Consultancy) has already been Although the roadmap for MGIRI's activities was well laid reported in our November 2009 issue. Interestingly, a few out with 8 objectives, the complexity of occupying an eight technological initiatives like Solar Charkha, Low cost lane road, all at once, was found to be a formidable task. packing machine, Solar potter's wheel, etc from the MGIRI The guidance of the Executive Council, and the counsel of have been highly applauded by the artisans thus proving the Chairman Mr Dinesh Rai, IAS, Secretary of MSME came that our demand based approach will be successful. in handy. It was decided that MGIRI will walk on the two legs: 'innovation' and 'model building for rural To sum up MGIRI is happy that the nation has presented a industrialization'. Further since it was safer to have one's well defined, though challenging, agenda for it to feet safely on the ground, without any 'conceptual slippery', negotiate. Its scientists, who happily underwent an participatory action-based and demand-driven approach 'annealing process' in the form of an innovative orientation was followed. programme, are confident of delivering the goods.

The innovation efforts (wrapped up into a scheme: IRIS- With continued and passionate Innovations for Rural Industrial Systems) were to start in support of the officials of the the form of S&T intervention into actual problems faced by Ministry of MSME as well as with the the SFURTI schemes under Khadi and Village Industries, friendly guidance and patronage of Coir Board and the Development Commission of the the KVIC the journey is expected to Ministry of MSME. The 20 problems needing immediate be successful. S&T intervention and the additional 'generic-problems' identified in the thrust areas of food, textile and building- We say 'thank you' to all our friends elements are to form the first set of problems for which and mentors and wish them all a solutions have to be provided by MGIRI and its network very happy new year ! partners. – Editor

Proposed Khadi Research and Development Institute in Gujarat

he MGIRI technologies, displayed in Surat during Nov-Dec 2009, resulted in the feedback that there is a crying need for Timproved technologies for rural industries. This feeling was ably summed up by the senior most officials of Gujarat to the KVIC. Since similar opinions were expressed by certain Members of Parliament also Hon'ble Minister of MSME Shri Dinsha Patel desired a discussion on the matter. This resulted in a meeting in Ahmedabad on 11-12-2009 under the Chairmanship of Mr P K Parmar, IAS, Chairman of Gujarat state KVIB. The Director of Ahmedabad office of KVIC Mr A D Choudhary organized the meeting.

The members of the Consultation Committee, resolved that a Khadi Research and Development Centre should be started in Ahmedabad as an Extension Centre of MGIRI with the local partnership of Gujarat Gramodyog Mandal and institute like the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.

In the first phase, a Centre for Design Development was recommended to be set up in a 3000 sq.ft. building provided by the Gujarat Gramodyog Mandal in Ahmedabad. A Quality Control and Guidance lab for Khadi was also expected to be set up.

In phase 2, the Centre will associate more institutions in Gujarat, particularly from rural provinces, with a view to reach technology and entrepreneurial guidance to youth willing to start industries particularly to add value to the many agri-produces of the region.

3 MGIRI Newsletter : January 2010 THE NATION RESPONDS TO MGIRI's TECHNOLOGIES – A glimpse of the exhibitions in Nov - Dec 2009

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Smt Gurucharan Kaur wife of Hon'ble Prime Minister Mr lights the traditional lamp at IITF Exhibition on 14 November 2009. She visited the Solar Charkha developed by MGIRI. Also seen is Sushri Kumudben Joshi, Chairperson of KVIC.

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N t A Sushri Kumudben Joshi Chairperson KVIC and Shri J S Mr H D Sinnur PSO MGIRI explaining hank dyeing Mishra, CEO of KVIC observing the Solar Charkha in machine exhibited at Surat Khadi Fest 2009. action.

Solar Charkha gets the central place in the Karigar Sammelan at Meerut

In the Karigar Sammelan, Meerut (5-6 Dec. 2009) the Solar Nearly 6000 artisans gathered to see the Solar Charkha. Charkha adorned the dais and was inaugurated by a The Chairperson, overwhelmed by the response, woman-artisan. announced that she will reach the solar charkha to the people within 6 months.

www.mgiri.org 4 The 4th Meeting of the General Council of MGIRI

The General Council met on 17-12-2009 in Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi with the President of the General Council Shri Dinsha Patel, Hon’ble Minister for MSME in the Chair. he 4th Meeting of the General Council of MGIRI took place on TDecember 17, 2009 under the Presidentship of Hon'ble Minister for MSME Shri Dinsha Patel. However since this was the first meeting after MGIRI started its voyage as an autonomous body, functioning directly under the Ministry of MSME, it had to take decisions on many crucial issues. Most importantly the GC had to approve many crucial amendments in MGIRI's Rules and Byelaws to enable it to function as an autonomous institution with a more dynamic structure for its Executive Council a n d w i t h appropriate powers for the Director of The Director greets the President of the GC MGIRI who is the Secretary of the EC. Besides approving the final version of the Recruitment Rules the GC also approved the selection of the first batch of 35 scientists besides the first Director. It approved the road map for MGIRI for the remaining years in the 11th plan along with the necessary budgets. Finally, and most importantly, the GC resolved that the role of coordinating the 'MGIRI-Interface Institutions', hitherto looked after by the KVIC, will be handed over to MGIRI in view of its having started functioning. Presidential remarks

Ç Dr Rajendra Prasad (representing IIT Delhi Director) making a point. MGIRI – it's Vision, Mission and Activity Plans

FUNCTIONING OF THE HUB Continued from page 2 ... MGIRI, Wardha consists of six major sections catering to the generic areas of rural industrialization as given below: Ÿ Khadi and Textile Industries section Ÿ Bio-processing and Herbal based Industries section Ÿ Chemical Industries section Ÿ Rural Crafts and Engineering section Ÿ Rural Infrastructure and Energy section Ÿ Management and Systems section The necessary infrastructural facilities to cater to current requirements of the above sections have been developed. However, the approach to be followed by MGIRI will be primarily to act as a facilitator and as nodal networking institute for promoting Rural Industrialization. Accordingly, only selective R&D work will be carried out at the MGIRI campus and all efforts will be made to direct the projects to respective interfacial working groups and expert organizations after appropriate need identification as well as competence matching. Presently, there are 14 interfaces and it is planned to setup another 20 to 25 interfaces during the next 5 years to create a wide network throughout the country. (To continue in the next issue; a pre-view of it is in the Editorial of the present issue).

5 MGIRI Newsletter : January 2010 Recent Events

Dr T Karunakaran visited the Coir Product Centre (linked to the Coir Board) at Eathamozhi (T.N.) and conferred with a local inventor Mr Shriram (Ponsons Industries) about possible design improvements.

Ç(15-30 Dec 2009) Entrepreneurs being Ç(2 Nov. 2009) DST members visited ÇMGIRI’s expert Mr H D Sinnur trained in Bio-pesticide and Bio-fertilizers in Energy lab and got impressed by the participated in the appraisal committee at MGIRI. technologies developed by MGIRI. KVIC on 22-12-09. The committee also requested MGIRI to prepare a DPR on production naturally coloured cotton. “Linking Housing Elements to Micro- Industries” meeting at Hotel Sangam on December 1, 2009 in collaboration with Association. Ã

Consultation with members of Pinakini Ashram at Hyderabad on December 23, 2009 about Pre-spinning Machines. Ä Forthcoming Events

Events Date Led by Organized in / Collaboration with Training on Biomass bio-pesticide for control of pest 4–6 Jan Sub-divisional Agricultural Office Katol, Nagpur

Exhibition at Nagpur 4–18 Jan l In collaboration with KVIC a

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Setting up of Quality Control Lab at SFURTI Awala 6–12 Jan b At Pushapanjali Gramodyog Seva Samiti, r o i Cluster e Pratapgarh (UP) in collaboration with KVIC B Panchaguavya, Soyabean and Awala based products 18–23 Jan H Training open to public to SHGs Workshop on design and texture as per latest market 19 Jan–3 In collaboration with KVIC

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Visit to Universities of Agricultural Sciences, II week of x In collaboration with KVIC a e h

Dharwad to prepare DPR on production of naturally Jan T coloured cotton K Exhibition at Allahabad 7–12 Jan In collaboration with KVIC MGIRI Exhibition at Jaipur 7–12 Jan In collaboration with KVIC Reduction of Global warming through decentralized 12 Jan Film show and presentation in the Global production MGIRI Warming Meet at Dindigul, Tamilnadu Organised by Peace Trust, Dindigul REZ Consultative Workshop at Ashti 16 Jan E & I Gandhigram Urja Sansthan Vision Meeting at Kumarappapuram Gram, Seldoh, 29–30 Jan Serva Seva Sangh, Maharogi Seva Sangh and MGIRI Dist. Wardha other NGOs

Dissemination Workshop on Natural Terracotta 23–28 Jan Craft Section . s t g

colours for Artisans f g a & n Design workshop on Cane and Bamboo at SFURTI 18–2 Feb r Cane and Bamboo Centre Tripura (with the E Cluster, Tripura C KVIC) Constructive Plan for youth and Rural Industries 29 Jan MGIRI Serva Seva Sangh, Wardha Modern ICT tools to make enterprises globally 23-24 and Open to willing entrepreneurs M & S competitive (Coordination: Dr Regi Thomas) 30-31 Jan

www.mgiri.org 6 Staff Orientation (IV): understanding the existing Rural Industries

MGIRI's Scientific team visited the briquetting unit at MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) Deoli to understand the problems faced by it.

Analyzing how the percentage of oil extracted from cotton seed could be increased.

Mr Kelkar, Founder of Varda Agro food processing unit at Dahegaon explains the technical and human problems threatening his unit.

Ashti (a place of martyrdom in Wardha district) comes forward to Studying the feasibility of producing energy from poultry waste form the first Rural Economic Zone (REZ). (unit in Ashti).

he staff orientation after this stage continued for providing specialist training to groups of people. It also gave them Texposure to take on specific regional projects and formulate problems and potential solutions. While one team spent time in the North East to formulate projects for the craftsmen, certain other groups went to areas where deeper projects in Khadi, Food processing, Energy, etc could be formulated. Any opportunity for further exposure was utilized to the full – for example the International Trade Fair in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi during November 2009.

7 MGIRI Newsletter : January 2010 MAH BIL05736 / 13-1-2009-TC Postal Regn. Nr.: WDA/ 60/ 2010-12 MGIRI IN NEWS

Bapu's charkha goes green Wardha Institute Develops First Solar Version

Yagnesh Mehta | TNN | 30 November 2009 Surat: Mahatma Gandhi turned his humble charkha into a weapon to take on the might of the British empire and give India freedom. And now, it is set to make a contribution in the fight against global warming as well.

Even as the world is set to debate carbon emission cuts at Copenhagen, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialisation (MGIRI) at Wardha has developed a unique device — a solar charkha. MGIRI also hopes to increase the popularity of charkha with it.

“This latest version of the charkha has been developed to keep khadi eco- friendly. It is non-polluting and does not use any energy that creates pollution,” says Deep V Varma* of MGIRI, who has developed the solar charkha. “It moves a little slowly during the monsoon months as you don't get as much sunlight, but there is no problem for the rest of the year.” This charkha uses two solar cell panels of 37 watts each which can keep it running throughout the day. The 12-watt battery, attached to the solar panel, stores power that can run it for three hours in the absence of sun.

While the traditional charkha can produce about 2,000 running metres of khadi thread every hour, the solar charkha can produce about 3,500 running metres in the same time.

The device has been put up on display at Khadi Utsav 2009, jointly organized by Gujarat Khadi Gramudhyog and Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), in Surat. “We are testing the solar charkha by giving it to a few khadi producers. The initial results have been encouraging,” says Sagar SP, a consultant with MGIRI.

The innovation has also created an ideological debate among some Gandhians. “The definition of khadi states that it has to be hand-woven, without using electricity. So, it is debatable whether this thread can be considered khadi,” says Devendra Desai, chairman of KVIC (western region).

He, however, adds in the same breath, “We believe Mahatma Gandhi would have appreciated innovations in the charkha. For instance, a south Indian farmer had developed the Ambar charkha, a much larger version that produced more khadi and was appreciated by Gandhi. This is a similar experiment.” ————— * The TOI report had wrongly put it on Pavan Thakur

Nispaksh Jan Sansar 29-11-2009

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If undelivered, please return to: MG Institute for Rural Industrialisation Maganwadi Edited and published by Dr T Karunakaran, Director, MGIRI, Wardha Wardha - 442 001, Maharashtra Layout and typesetting by Mr Arun Shanker India

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