QCI & KVIC Signed MoU to Enhance Quality of Khadi Products

Current Context: The Quality Council of India (QCI) and the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Kochrab Ashram in Ahmedabad on 3rd January 2024.

• This collaboration aims to enhance the quality of Khadi products, empower artisans, and offer quality products under the ‘Made in India’ banner.
• The QCI will assist KVIC in various activities including training to enhance the quality of Khadi and Village Industries products, improve their productivity and marketability both domestically and internationally.
• This collaboration will give a new identity to Khadi as ‘Made in India’ products, which will increase the production and sale of Khadi products as a symbol of quality across the world.
• This initiative is expected to provide new employment opportunities to Khadi artisans with greater productivity and efficiency by equipping them with advanced skills and knowledge.
• The Khadi industry has grown 268% between 2013-14 and 2022-23, and it’s expected to create 9.54 lakh jobs in FY23.

Question:

Q.1 When and where was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Quality Council of India (QCI) and the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)?
a. 3rd January 2024, Kochrab Ashram in Ahmedabad
b. 1st January 2024, Kochrab Ashram in Delhi
c. 3rd January 2023, Kochrab Ashram in Mumbai
d. 3rd January 2024, Kochrab Ashram in Kolkata