Unlock 5: Khadi face masks for children in Arunachal Pradesh when schools reopen

School children in Arunachal Pradesh will be wearing tri-colour Khadi face masks after schools resume in the state post-COVID-19 lockdown. The state government has already received 60,000 face masks from the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

The Arunachal Pradesh government is all set to reopen schools from November 16.

The order of Khadi face masks for students in such a huge quantity has been made by a northeastern state for the first time. 

Notably, the state government on November 3 had placed orders for the masks which the KVIC managed to complete and deliver the order in just 6 days due to the emergency factor.

The masks provided by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission is a double-layered, tri-colour cotton face mask. There is also a logo of the Arunachal government placed on the mask which aims to instil nationalism in students.

Other than being double-layered the masks are made of double twisted Khadi fabric which helps retain 70% of the moisture and makes breathing easy. These masks are, therefore, skin-friendly and can be worn for a longer duration of time.

Another positive aspect is that these masks are washable, reusable and biodegradable.

Since June, when KVIC was launched the company has sold 23 lakh face masks. It has also received several bulk orders including 12.30 lakh face masks from the Indian Red Cross Society. Rashtrapati Bhavan, Prime Minister’s Office, several State Governments and Central Government Ministries and PSUs are in KVIC's elite list of orders. And many such orders are on the anvil.