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(a) whether silk exports during the last six months have come down drastically with trade being diverted to China and lesser known players like Indonesia and Vietnam;
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(b) if so, the details thereof;
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(c) whether Indian silk export has become uncompetitive due to the withholding of Duty Entitlement Pass Book ( DEPB ) benefits to silk exporters; and
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(d) the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( SHRI DIGVIJAY SINGH )
( a ) & (b) : During the last six month period for which figures are available from December, 2000 to May 2001, the value of silk exports is estimated at Rs.1187.61 crore against Rs.994.34 crore for the corresponding period of the previous year. Thus these figures give evidence of increase by 19.4% over this period. However the exports have shown some decline in April and May this year when they totaled Rs.307 crore as against Rs.357 crore during the same period last year.
( c ) & ( d ): There is no reason to think that Indian Silk exports have become un-competitive. Benefits under the Duty Entitlement Pass Book ( DEPB) Scheme have not been withdrawn. However, the benefits uptil 6th November, 2000 have been reviewed under entries No.89/74, 75, 76 covering silk garments, made-ups and fabrics. With effect from 1/1/2001 in regard to entry No.89/74 covering garments and with effect from 2/3/2001 in regard to entry No.89/75 and 89/76 covering silk made-ups and silk fabrics respectively, the benefits have been placed under a value cap.