Government Enhances Financial Autonomy of Central Silk Board 

Why in News?

The government has increased the financial approval limit of the Central Silk Board (CSB) from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore by amending Rule 22 of the Central Silk Board Rules, 1955.

This move is aimed at enhancing the Board’s operational autonomy, enabling faster decision-making and more efficient implementation of schemes related to sericulture and silk industry development.

Background: Central Silk Board — Institutional Profile

The Central Silk Board is a statutory body established in 1948 through an Act of Parliament.

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Textiles, Government of India
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka

The Board functions as the apex national body for the promotion, regulation, and development of the silk industry in India.

Mandate and Core Functions of the Central Silk Board

The CSB is entrusted with a broad mandate to strengthen India’s sericulture ecosystem.

Key Functions

• Advising the Central Government on all matters relating to the development of the silk industry, including:
  • Import and export of raw silk,
  • Market development, and
  • Policy formulation.
• Preparing and furnishing reports on the silk sector as required by the government.
• Promoting scientific sericulture practices to:
  • Increase productivity,
  • Improve quality,
  • Enhance farm incomes.
• Creating greater employment opportunities and improving livelihoods in rural and semi-urban areas.

Significance of the Revised Financial Approval Limit

The amendment increasing CSB’s financial approval ceiling from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore is significant for several reasons:

• Operational Efficiency: Enables quicker sanction of projects without repeated higher-level approvals.
• Institutional Autonomy: Strengthens the Board’s decision-making powers.
• Scheme Implementation: Facilitates timely execution of research, extension, training, and infrastructure projects.
• Industry Responsiveness: Allows faster responses to emerging challenges in the silk value chain.

This reform aligns with the broader objective of decentralisation and administrative efficiency in public institutions.

Silk Production in India: Current Status

India holds a significant position in the global silk economy.

Global Standing

• India is the second-largest producer and consumer of silk in the world.

Production Growth

• Raw silk production increased from:
  • 31,906 metric tonnes (MT) in 2017–18 to
  • 38,913 MT in 2023–24,
    reflecting steady sectoral growth.

Major Producing States

• Karnataka – the largest silk-producing state.
• Andhra Pradesh – another major contributor.
• Other important states include Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, and parts of the North-East.

Major Silk Varieties Produced

• Mulberry silk – accounts for the largest share.
• Eri silk – known for sustainability and warmth.
• Tasar silk – largely forest-based.
• Muga silk – exclusive to Assam and prized for its natural golden colour.

Role of CSB in Strengthening Sericulture

The Central Silk Board plays a critical role in:

• Research and development in silkworm breeding and rearing technologies.
• Extension services and farmer training.
• Quality control and certification.
• Market development and export promotion.
• Supporting rural employment, especially among women and small farmers.

Through its network of research institutes, training centres, and state partnerships, CSB acts as the backbone of India’s sericulture sector.

Strategic Implications and Way Forward

The enhanced financial autonomy of CSB is expected to:

• Improve project execution timelines,
• Strengthen research and innovation,
• Support climate-resilient sericulture,
• Enhance India’s competitiveness in the global silk market, and
• Boost rural livelihoods and MSME growth in the textile sector.

Going forward, the focus will be on:

• Value addition and branding of Indian silk,
• Export diversification,
• Technological upgradation, and
• Strengthening farmer-market linkages.