After inaugurating Silk Mark Expo-2013, being jointly organised by the Central Silk Board, Silk Marg India, Uttarakhand Silk Federation and State Silk Directorate, in Dehradun on Wednesday, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Vijay Bahuguna said: "The State Government is committed to promoting the silk industry in the State and will take every possible measure. For this, we are going to establish computer designing centre and fixed target to double our silk production."
Appreciating them, CM Bahuguna said that Uttarakhand's silk is best quality in India and there is a need to maintain such standard.
State would take every possible step to promote it so whatever proposal will be presented by the department you will be considered on priority basis.the livelihood of SC, ST and minority groups in Uttarkahnd is tied with silk production and the State Government will work towards improving the scope of livelihood for them as well.
To promote silk industry State Government is going to establish compute design centre. He also reminded them that "now competition in global market so you produce double then your target and State is ready to support you financially and technically as well."
On this occasion, the Principal Secretary (Horticulture) Om Prakash gave information about the work being done by the State Government through the Uttarakhand Directorate of Silk.
He shared that production of silk sarees will commence in the State soon, and added that this will increase livelihood opportunities for existing craftsmen.The Chief Executive Officer of Silk Route India, KS Menon gave extensive information about organizing the Expo.
The Joint Secretary of Central Silk Board, KD Singh said that the Central Government is providing financial assistance to state Governments for silk production.
He shared that silk production has recently been included in the MGNREGA and the National Agriculture Development Scheme, which will help accelerate implementation of policies and also increase employment opportunities. President of Uttarakhand Silk Federation, Ghanshyam Sharma said that such an event has been organized in Uttarakhand for the first time.
He further said that the Uttarkhand Silk Federation is adding its resources to the efforts to increase production of silk. He shared that the Federation is in need of additional financial and human resources to be able to meet its goal of increasing silk production.
Also present at the inaugural ceremony were Additional Secretary (Horticulture) RC Sharma, Managing Director Uttarakhand Silk Federation SC Sharma, other Government officials along with individuals associated with the silk industry.