New Delhi, Aug 28 (IANS): In a big boost to locally manufactured products, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) will receive a consignment of 1,200 quintals of mustard oil worth Rs 1.73 crore by the end of this month from the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

The KVIC received the order from the ITBP -- one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)-- for supplying 1,200 quintals of kacchi ghani mustard oil.

The purchase order comes just weeks after the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the KVIC and the ITBP on July 31, which is aligned with the Prime Minister's call for "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Vocal for Local".

As per KVIC, the consignment will be supplied to the ITBP within 30 days from the date of order.

The Minister for MSMEs, Nitin Gadkari, lauded KVIC's efforts and said this would encourage local production and empower lakhs of people engaged with village industries.

KVIC has said that this order will create additional jobs at the Khadi institutions manufacturing high quality kacchi ghani mustard oil.

The KVIC has instructed the Khadi institutions to work in three shifts to complete the supply within the stipulated period of 30 days.

The development comes in the wake of the instructions of Home Minister Amit Shah to the paramilitary forces to encourage local products in a bid to support the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" mission.

Shah has made it mandatory to sell only "Swadeshi" products through the CAPF canteens across India. The ITBP is the nodal agency appointed by the MHA for the procurement of provisions on behalf of all paramilitary forces.

KVIC chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena welcomed the purchase order saying this was a major step towards strengthening the village industries and empowering the local artisans.

"Only by encouraging local production and strengthening our village industries that we can overcome financial distress and create sustainable livelihood for our people. At the same time, our jawans at the border will get the best quality mustard oil. We will ensure the supplies are made before time," Saxena said.

The KVIC and ITBP have signed the MoU for a period of one year which will be renewed further. The next products in the pipeline are cotton mats (dari), blankets, bed sheets, pillow covers, pickles, honey, papad and cosmetics.