KVIC wants cops to dress in khadi

LUCKNOW: If Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has its way, UP police personnel could soon be wearing khadi uniform at least one day a week.

A letter from KVIC, urging cops to dress in khadi uniform once a week, has been sent to the police bosses.

Adarsh Singh, special secretary in the chief minister office, has urged DGP Sulkhan Singh to reply to the KVIC request. The DGP, in turn, sent the letter to additional directors general (ADGs) and inspectors general of police (IGPs) zones, seeking their views over use of khadi uniform while on duty.

When asked, a senior police officer said, “We are mulling over the issue and would inform the DGP about our decision soon. Since policemen have office as well as field duties, the uniform generally gets wrinkled. We prefer uniform of cotton blend, poly cotton or woollen mix fabric. Khadi is hand-spun cotton and gives a stiffer feeling. Policemen will not feel comfortable in khadi uniform.”

Another officer said: “Policemen are posted in tough terrain. We have to move from one spot to another while tracking criminals even as we carry weapons and gadgets. In cotton and poly mix fabric uniform we are at ease. Khadi dress can be used during Republic Day or Independence Day celebrations.

KVIC officials said that with around 1.5 lakh personnel, the state police could give a boost to khadi and village industry. “To compete in the textile market, khadi units across the country are also using fabrics that are in fashion and preferred by buyers,” they said.

“A symbol of swadeshi movement during the freedom struggle, the use of khadi products will increase the earning of weavers, who are fighting for survival,” they added.

A symbol of swadeshi movement during the freedom struggle, the use of khadi products will increase the earning of weavers KVIC OFFICIALS