‘Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
GS PAPER II: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Context: The National Internet Exchange of India Domain Dispute Policy (INDRP) Arbitration Tribunal rejected the contention of a private entity that “Khadi” is a generic word and said use of the popular brand name by any other is likely to create confusion and deception with the goods/services of KVIC.
The order came on a complaint filed by KVIC challenging a domain name www.khadi.in being run by Delhi-based businessmen, with the tribunal holding that the domain name in question was registered in “bad faith”.
- The tribunal said, KVIC is the legitimate owner of the trademark “Khadi”/ “Khadi India” and has acquired ownership in terms of the provisions of Section 17 of the Trade Marks Act 1999”.
- It will safeguard the interest of Khadi artisans and prevent the sale of any spurious product in the name of Khadi.
About KVIC:
- The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a statutory body formed in April 1957 (During 2nd Five Year plan)by the Government of India, under the 'Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956'.
- It is an apex organisation under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, with regard to khadi and village industries within India.
- It seeks to - "plan, promote, facilitate, organise and assist in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary."
- The commission has three main objectives:
- The Social Objective - Providing employment in rural areas
- The Economic Objective - Providing saleable articles
- The Wider Objective - Creating self-reliance amongst people and building up a strong rural community spirit.
- KVIC implements following schemes:
- Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
- Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate (ISEC) Scheme
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