Mahatma Gandhi travelled all over India nearly for a year, after his return from South Africa in 1915, to understand thoroughly about the condition of the Indians.

Khadi, as Gandhiji believed, is not only the tool of self-reliance or symbol of nationalism, rather it can also play a vital role in the economic growth of the nation. He advocated SWADESHI and advised boycott of foreign goods, especially foreign cloth.

Gandhiji set up the All India Khadi Board in December, 1923,. In 1925, All India Spinners Association (AISA) of Akhil Bharat Charkha Sangh was formed. In the Thirties, Gandhiji turned his attention to other Village Industries and as a result All India Village Industries Association (AIVIA) was established.

In 1948, Akhil Bharat Sarva Seva Sangha took over the activities of AISA and AIVIA. In January, 1953, the Government of India set up All India Khadi and Village Industries Board. Thereafter, a bill was introduced in Parliament proposing the establishment of a Commission with “powers executive as well as Administrative” for proper development of Khadi and Village Industries. And AIKVIB was accepted as an Advisory Body. With the promulgamation of Act no. LXI of 1956, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission came into force in April, 1957.

The State Boards in different states have come into existence in response to the Advice of AIKVIB which was required by the Government of India’s Resolution of January, 14, 1953 to work “in close co-operation with the State Governments. The AIKVIB declared in May, 1953 as follows, “It would be desirable to see that the work in States should be carried on through State Boards.” Thus the AIKVIB envisaged the State Board as the Principal Agency for implementing its programmes.

ACCORDINGLY, THE WEST BENGAL KHADI & VILLAGE INDUSTRIES BOARD WAS SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL UNDER W.B. ACT. XIV OF 1959 AND TOOK OVER THE ACTIVITIES FROM ERSTWHILE ADVISORY BOARD ON 1ST, APRIL, 1960.

Khadi and village industries are two important National heritage Sector of India and plays a very vital role in providing employment opportunities in rural areas at low per capita investment especially to people belonging to weaker sections of the society and West Bengal Khadi & Village Industries Board is on a spree of revival of the Glory of Khadi at the grass root level.

The main role of the Board is to encourage entrepreneurship, employment and livelihood opportunities and enhance the competitiveness.