(a) whether the Government is aware of the pitiable condition of Bhagapur silk entrepreneurs;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken any steps to promote silk industry on the lines of Khadi Gramodyog; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(SMT. DARSHANA JARDOSH)
(a) to (d): Government of India through Central Silk Board(CSB) has taken following steps to promote silk industry in the country including Bihar state:
i. Central Schemes viz; “Silk Samagra” & NERTPS (in NE states only) are being implemented to promote silk industry in the country.
ii. Strengthened the Research & Development system to improve cocoon production, productivity and silkworm hybrids.
iii. To produce import substitute Bivoltine silk in the country, R&D has been focused to evolve productive Bivoltine hybrids.
iv. Cold Storage facilities and Bivoltine grainages have been strengthened.
v. For production of 3A-4A grade raw Silk from the Bivoltine cocoons, Automatic Reeling Machine (ARM) Units have been established in the country.
vi. Buniyad Reeling Machines (BRM) are being provided to women thigh reelers by State of Bihar with support from CSB.
vii. Collaborative research programmes have been taken up with Bulgaria, Australia, Japan, Sweden and Uzbekistan for enhancing the silk production.
viii. “Indian Silk’’ is being promoted as a brand in the global market through generic promotion & with the ‘’Silk Mark Tag’’.
ix. The basic customs duty of 15% is levied on raw silk import to make the domestic silk weaving & export segment stronger and competitive.
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