Why in news?
The Ministry of Textiles has amended the rules governing the Central Silk Board (CSB), raising the limit up to which the board can approve projects from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore. This change aims to speed up the clearance of research and infrastructure projects for India’s silk industry and reduce administrative delays.
Background
Established in 1948, the Central Silk Board is a statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles tasked with developing and promoting sericulture and silk. India is the world’s second‑largest producer of silk, with key states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu accounting for most of the output. The board oversees research on silkworm breeds, disease control and quality standards; supports farmers through training and subsidised inputs; and implements schemes to improve mulberry cultivation and reeling. Before the recent amendment, projects exceeding ₹50 lakh required the approval of the ministry, often causing delays.
What the amendment does
- Increased financial autonomy: The CSB can now approve projects costing up to ₹1 crore without referring them to the ministry. This is expected to accelerate the launch of research and infrastructure initiatives.
- Focus on innovation: New projects may include upgrading silkworm seed production units, establishing training centres, supporting the expansion of mulberry farms, and modernising reeling units.
- Boost to exports: Faster approvals could help exporters meet international demand more quickly and improve India’s competitiveness in the global silk market.
Significance of the silk sector
- Employment and livelihoods: Sericulture supports over nine million people in India, many of whom are small farmers and women.
- Diverse varieties: India produces all four commercial varieties of silk—mulberry, eri, tasar and muga—offering farmers options suited to different climates.
- Export potential: The country exported silk products worth several thousand crores in recent years and aims to expand its share in high‑value markets.
- Rural development: Sericulture provides year‑round employment and can help reduce migration from villages by offering sustainable income.
Conclusion
The new approval limit empowers the Central Silk Board to respond quickly to the industry’s needs. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the amendment could lead to more timely research, better infrastructure and higher incomes for sericulture workers.
Sources: Livemint
