In India, 80 per cent of silk comes from the State of Jharkhand, 50 per cent of this silk production takes place within the Santhal Pargana region of the State. Silk production is the source of livelihood for approximately 1.65 lakh families in Jharkhand. Despite such high numbers associated with silk production in the State, Jharkhand has not got the recognition it deserves.
The Santhal Pargana region is amongst the highest producers of tasar silk, however, it is the Bhagalpur district of Bihar which is recognised as the Silk City. Few know that Bhagalpur sources the raw materials from Dumka in Jharkhand itself. The reason why the regions in Jharkhand are left behind in terms of recognition is that people were early mostly involved only in the rearing of tasar cocoons. Other processes like threading, weaving, dyeing, and printing of Silk are being undertaken which has opened up new vistas of employment generation and raising their income.
The government of Jharkhand has formulated a strategy and will help establish a new identity for Dumka in the field of silk. In terms of reaping the benefits of livelihood generation which silk production can provide, over 400 women in the same region are being trained to perform the various tasks involved in the process of silk production.
The efforts made by the State government is not only shaping a bright future for the silk industry in Jharkhand, but also helping women secure their livelihoods and making them a source of inspiration for all. Ruby Kumari of Dumka is a specially-abled woman, who received her training in threading and weaving of Mayurakshi Silk at the Production cum Training Centre, Dumka. Today, the 27-year-old is an expert in shaping silk threads and has become a breadwinner for her family. Like her, many women from Scheduled Tribes in Dumka have become self-reliant and are being appreciated for their work in silk threading and art engraving. The route has been laid out by the government which will ensure that Dumka of the Santhal Pargana region will get its due recognition as the Silk City of India in the near future.
During the financial year 2019-20, 60 young individuals were selected by the state government to be inducted in a one-year certificate course wherein training was given in sericulture, silk weaving and silk printing.
During his stay at Dumka, Chief Minister Hemant Soren visited the Mayurakshi silk production center. The Chief Minister has instructed the district administration that all resources should be made available by the government to encourage the production of silk. The move will help more people to gain employment and silk production will become a sustainable source of livelihood for the people in this region.
