3 crore khadi face masks made by the Assam Khadi and Village Industries Board remain unsold till today, incurring the Board a loss of over Rs. 10 lakhs. The face masks were made in 2020 as per the Assam government’s order to cater to the requirements to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Kamala Kanta Kalita, Chairperson of the Board informed that the Assam Government had ordered the Board to make the face masks when their use was made mandatory during the pandemic. “We made over 3 crore masks as was asked for, but we couldn’t sell those. One khadi mask costs around Rs. 30 to Rs. 40, which is comparatively high to others available in the market. So people didn’t buy much from us.”

“Almost all the stock is still there with us. It has been a major loss,” he added.

Given the massive loss incurred due to the high production of face masks, the Khadi Board is now producing Tricolors only as per orders.

The demand for the National Flag has soared due to the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. Reportedly the Board makes around 8000 flags every Independence and Republic Day. “Our minimum target was 10,000 this time, which we have achieved long back. Over 13,000 flags have been made till August 1,” said a worker.

However, the Board is not making excessive flags without prior orders. “If we make excessive flags these cannot be stored till next year as it gets discolored and sometimes spoiled. We have already incurred a major loss and do not want to add to it. But the Khadi Board is prepared to make as much as required and we are hoping to receive orders till August 13.”