Bengaluru: Love for the nation resonates in the state with Independence Day fast approaching, if one goes by the orders received by the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyuktha Sangha (KKGSS), a manufacturing federation located at Bengeri in Hubballi, which is in the forefront of manufacturing national flags. It is the only unit in India that is authorised to manufacture and supply the flag in India.
Uttar Pradesh, despite its large population is in the second position followed by the neighbouring Maharashtra in terms of order booking for flags this year.
There was a huge demand from Uttar Pradesh earlier but with Karnataka making flag hoisting compulsory in Gram Panchayats, Taluk Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats, the demand for flags from the state has increased exponentially, said Sivananda Matapathy, Secretary of KKGSS.
In the year 2005-06, only 5,433 flags were sold, out of the manufactured 10,314 flags. However, we sold 26,304 flags (up to March) in 2016-17 and this year we have achieved a turnover of Rs 2 Crore and expect to do another Rs 50 Lakh business by Independence Day, explained Matapati briefing about the achievements of KKGSS.
Nine different size flags are made initially and sent to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for approval. After the approval, the Khadi and Rural Industries Corporation (KVIC) will rate the flags based on the measure, he said.
“Four days ago, a man from Ranchi called the office and placed an order for Rs 1.5 Lakh and requested shipment by air. We used to rely on courier service and surface transport for consignment shipment earlier and we are transporting flags by aircraft this year,” said an elated P B Doddmani, Manager at KKGSS.
The largest flags ever made by the manufacturing federation measuring 6.4 x 4.2 meters (21 x 14 ft) in size are priced at Rs 17,800 and the smallest measuring 6″x4″ (in Inches) costs only Rs 220, revealed Matapathy.
On the eve of Independence Day 2017, newskarntaka.com salutes KKGSS for their service to the nation for keeping the spirit of freedom alive and active as the nation gets ready to rejoice on Independence Day.
