Bengaluru, March 9 (NationPress) The Karnataka Assembly was abuzz with discussions regarding the growing demand for traditional Mysuru silk sarees crafted by the government-owned Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Limited (KSIC). Legislators from various parties urged the state government to boost production and fortify this historic institution.

BJP MLA T. S. Srivatsa highlighted the overwhelming interest in Mysuru silk sarees produced by KSIC, a public sector entity. He noted that customers often line up as early as 5 a.m. at factory outlets to secure tokens for their purchases.

“There will be queues for tokens to buy Mysuru silk sarees at 5 a.m. at the factory outlet. We frequently receive calls from individuals inquiring whether we can assist them in obtaining these sarees for a fee,” Srivatsa stated.

He challenged the government, questioning why it hasn't ramped up production despite the nationwide demand for Mysuru silk sarees.

“Given the high demand, why isn’t the government considering ways to increase production and expand the operation? These sarees are sought after throughout the country,” he asked.

In response, Minister for Sericulture and Animal Husbandry K. Venkatesh confirmed that approximately 300 to 350 silk sarees are produced daily, attributing the significant demand to the superior quality that KSIC maintains.

“The high demand stems from the excellent quality. Women carefully inspect the sarees and purchase only those without even the slightest defect,” he explained.

The minister expressed that while the government is committed to increasing production, it cannot compromise on the quality of raw materials used during manufacturing.

“We are striving to produce more sarees. However, we must secure quality raw materials and cannot make compromises on this front. There is also intense competition, as traders from Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra come to buy cocoons,” he added.

Venkatesh noted that during sales featuring discounts on slightly damaged sarees, customers often start queuing outside outlets as early as 3 a.m.

Moreover, he announced that online sales of Mysuru silk sarees will be temporarily halted to prioritize demand at physical outlets.

“We will pause online sales to address the high demand for silk sarees at our outlets. Once production is increased, we will reintroduce online sales,” he stated.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, however, criticized the government regarding the treatment of workers at the production facility.

He claimed to have visited the unit and alleged that workers are compensated only Rs 3,000 per month for the first 11 months of employment.

“Consider how they manage. After their appointment, the wage only increases to around Rs 15,000. The organization has reported a profit of Rs 96 crore this year, yet there are plans to shut down the facility,” Ashoka alleged.

He also opposed a proposal to acquire land in T. Narasipur, which he claimed had been gifted by the Mysuru kings.

“You boast of development while aspiring to construct a stadium on this land. The organization is generating profits, and people queue for over three hours to purchase Mysuru silk sarees. At this point, should the government fortify this institution or shut it down?” he urged, calling for the government to abandon the acquisition plan.

In response to the concerns, Minister Venkatesh noted that the land issue pertains to the Chief Minister’s constituency and suggested that misinformation might have been circulating.

“The demand for Mysuru silk sarees is genuine. Everything produced gets sold within a day. We will cancel the plan to acquire the land,” he confirmed.

Ashoka later expressed gratitude to the minister for the announcement regarding the land acquisition.

Minister for Urban Development Byrathi Suresh also expressed support for KSIC, emphasizing the global reputation of Mysuru silk sarees.

“KSIC has a commendable reputation. My relatives in the United States often tell me that they struggle to purchase Mysuru silk sarees even after trying for two months. This institution should not be closed. It possesses a rich history and should be empowered with additional funding,” he concluded.