Lok Sabha Debates
Discussion On The Motion For Consideration Of The Central Silk Board (Amendment) ... on 22 August, 2006
an> Title : Discussion on the motion for consideration of the Central Silk Board (Amendment) Bill, 2006 as passed by Rajya Sabha.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: The House will now take up item no. 20 – Central Silk Board (Amendment) Bill, 2006.
THE MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SHRI SHANKARSINH VAGHELA): Sir, I beg to move:
“That the Bill further to amend the Central Silk Board Act, 1948, as passed by Rajya Sabha, be taken into consideration.” MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Motion moved:
“That the Bill further to amend the Central Silk Board Act, 1948, as passed by Rajya Sabha, be taken into consideration.” SHRI ANANTH KUMAR (BANGALORE SOUTH): Sir, the hon. Minister for Textiles has moved the Central Silk Board (Amendment) Bill, 2006 for consideration by this House. This Bill has already been passed by the Rajya Sabha. At the outset I would like to submit that sericulture is part of agriculture and figures in the Concurrent List.
Sir, we are in an era of liberalised economy. It has been the constant endeavour of the hon. Minister to decentralise the entire process of sericulture. It is a well-known fact that States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Bengal are the major silk growing States. The State of Karnataka has a history of producing silk for more than 200 years. But I would like to bring to the notice of the hon. Minister that by bringing about this amending Bill, the Government would only pave the way for centralisation than decentralisation. There are provisions in the Bill for creating parallel mechanisms and systems. There are Sections in the Bill that seeks to create more hurdles, more licensing stages and more delays which is not a happy augury for the silk industry as a whole.
Sir, the State of Karnataka is a premier silk producing State. In the last 15 years, the Government of Karnataka, I would like to bring to the kind notice of the hon. Minister, that has adopted a policy of producing high yielding varieties of mulberry. There has been 100 DFL cocoon productivity. There has been an increase in production from 28 kgs per 100 DFLs in 1991 to 53 kgs per 100 DFLs in 2005-06. In 1991, per hectare cocoon productivity and income generation in 1991 was 394 kgs, but in 2005-06 it has increased to 632 kgs.
The total production of silk in 1991 was 66,224 metric tonnes and today, in 2005-06, it has been 7071 metric tonnes. Improvement has been from 9.5 per cent in 1991 to 7.42 per cent in 2005-06. There has been increase in per hectare silk productivity. In 1991, it was 41.5 kilograms per hectare. It has increased to 93.6 kilograms in 2005-06.. It is more than 100 per cent increase.
There has been considerable increase in production cost and there has been increase in the income of farmers. The average income in 1991 was Rs. 29,861 per hectare and it has now increased to Rs. 78,987 in 2995-06. There has been improvement in quality and prices of raw silk. The price has increased from an average of Rs. 705 per kilogram in 1991 to Rs. 1052 in 2005-06.
13.51 hrs. (Shri Mohan Singh in the Chair) There has been a decrease in drudgery also. When all the States have been made this improvement, specially Karnataka, in silk rearing and production, I do not understand the need for the proposed Bill for taking away some of the powers of the Karnataka State Sericulture Ministry to the Central Silk Board. Actually, every State has its own act. For example, there is a foolproof legislation since 1959 called the Karnataka Silkworm Cocoon, Silk Yarn Regulation, Purchase, Supply, Distribution and Sale Act, 1959 which regulates production of quality silk worms, rearing of silk worms, possession, disposal, sale or purchase of silk worms, silk worm cocoons, licensing and reeling establishments, establishing and maintenance of cocoons in the silk market. This is the existing law and it is adequate. It is adequate for the quality, maintenance of silk worms.
You very well know and this House also appreciates that there are two important sections in silk production or sericulture. One is mulberry cultivation which farmers are doing and another is production of eggs and these eggs also are reared by licensed producers, that is, the farmers. From production to eggs, hatching to rearing, till the stage of cocoon and reeling, the entire activity comes under the State Sericulture Department. There is a State Certification Agency. When the State Certification Agency is there, I do not understand the need for duplicating the same by the Central Sericulture Board. I urge the hon. Minister, through you, on this point. He is well-versed person in textiles and more so in sericulture. After reeling, twisting and weaving, it goes to textiles and then to the market. The plight of the reelers is grave. Actually, they are having obsolete technology and machinery which are not at all comparable to the machinery and technology in Japan and China. If they want to purchase automatic reelers, they have to spend Rs. 1.5 crore and they do not have the investment capability.
Therefore, I urge upon the Government and the hon. Minister to provide reelers with ultra modern machinery which is in use, which is in vogue both in China and Japan. Secondly, they purchase cocoon every day. Every day they are reeling them in obsolete charka like reelers. For that they do not have any money.
It is my good fortune that hon. Finance Minister is also present here.
सभापति महोदय : बाइ द वे मंत्री जी आ गए हैं।
SHRI ANANTH KUMAR : He should also come to the rescue of the hon. Minister of Textiles and to the rescue of the entire sericulture trade, especially the reelers. We need credit facility. We need working capital, that too on everyday basis. There is a question of marketing and level playing field between Chinese silk and Indian silk. There are problems of quality because of the unfinished research and development work of cocoons in our country. The primary function of the Central Silk Board is to look after the research and development of cocoons and their procedures. Therefore, they should concentrate in that field.
I want to bring some important features of Karnataka's contribution towards sericulture and the silk industry. Karnataka produces fifty per cent of India's raw silk. Karnataka, especially the Bangalore and Kolar regions, is known as land of silk. Our hon. Minister Shri K.H. Muniyappa is also present here. Karnataka is known as land of gold, sandalwood, silk and coffee.
SHRIMATI TEJASWINI SEE RAMESH (KANAKAPURA): Sir, I associate myself with what Shri Ananth Kumar is saying.
SHRI ANANTH KUMAR : I appreciate that Shrimati Tejaswini See Ramesh is also associating with what I am saying.
सभापति महोदय : अनंत कुमार जी, आप अपनी बात जल्दी समाप्त कीजिए।
श्री अनंत कुमार : यह महोदय, यह बहुत बड़ा मुद्दा है, इसलिए मुझे थोड़ा समय और दीजिए।
Around 5.62 per cent of the global silk production is from Karnataka. We are providing employment to twelve lakhs of people. There are 12,252 reeling units and there are more than one lakh reeling workers. We have got 71 government grainages, 477 private grainages, 66 cocoon markets and 10 silk exchanges. We have got 96 silk farms, 246 pre-cocoon and 17 post-cocoon technical service centres. We have got a Research and Development Institute. We have the required number of officers for this. We have the facility for extension, transfer of technology, inspection and monitoring. These are being effectively done.
I want to bring to the kind notice of the hon. Minister as to what the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce which submitted a Report on 31st May, 1995., said in its Fourteenth Report on Sericulture. The Standing Committee unanimously observed:
“The Committee observes that the CSB which was expected to promote and develop silk by encouraging research activities on evolving races, devising means for improved methods for mulberry cultivation, silk worm rearing, reeling and spinning activities, etc., had to extend its activities in other areas which were in the domain of the Department of Sericulture of State Governments. ” 14.00 hrs “….With the result some of the developmental schemes/programmes undertaken by CSB such as extension centres for propagation of mulberry cultivation, production of DFLs, seed distribution etc. were not being organised properly. It appears that the need for CSB stepping into these unassigned areas is because of indifferent attitude of some of the State Governments in performing the role assigned to them…” But Karnatka is not one of them. Karnataka has been a premier State in silk production. I again quote:-
While the Committee understands the compulsions before the CSB, it feels that the CSB should gradually relieve itself from the unassigned role leaving the State Government to act what is really in their domain. ” This has been the categorical unanimous recommendation from the Standing Committee on Commerce relating to sericulture activity. … (Interruptions)
सभापति महोदय : अब आप समाप्त कीजिए।
SHRI ANANTH KUMAR : So, I urge upon the hon. Minister that he should delete the proposed provisions in the Bill.
Now, I read out within half a minute section 8B – Powers and functions of the Committee. I request that the entire sub-section 8B (1) (2) and sub sections except laying down of quality standards for kind or variety of silk-worm seed; authorisiation of silk-worm races and hybrids for commercial exploitation and all other sub-sections from (iii) to (viii) be deleted because field activity, farmers extension service, rearing monitoring and inspection certification of the seed, pupa and moth examination etc. all these things should come under the State Governments. Therefore, this is a State Government activity. So, I request the hon. Minister to delete the entire thing.
Secondly, in Section 8E of the proposed Bill again from sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) and sub-sections (a) to (d) of sub section (3) and sub-section (4) of 8(E), I request the hon. Minister to delete them.
सभापति महोदय : सब डिलीट कर दें तो रखें क्या?
श्री अनंत कुमार : इसमें रखने के लिए काफी कुछ है।
सभापति महोदय : अब समाप्त कीजिए।
...( व्यवधान)
श्री अनंत कुमार : मैं समाप्त कर रहा हूं।…( व्यवधान)
श्री शंकर सिंह वाघेला : सभापति महोदय, मैं इस बारे में कुछ कहना चाहता हूं।
सभापति महोदय :आप बाद में जवाब दीजिए।
श्री शंकर सिंह वाघेला :àÉé {ÉÚ®ÉÒ ¤ÉÉiÉ ¤ÉiÉÉ näiÉÉ cÚÆ*…( व्यवधान)मैं एक ही मिनट लूंगा।
सभापति महोदय, इनके मंत्री श्री गोड्डा कल मिले थे। उन्होंने फोन किया था तो मैंने कहा कि आप दिल्ली आ जाइए। कल मेरे ऑफिसर्स के साथ डिटेल में उनकी मीटिंग हुई है। मंत्री महोदय राजशेखरन जी भी साथ थे। श्री मुनिअप्पा, कर्नाटक की माननीय सदस्य श्रीमती तेजस्विनी और बाकी दोस्त भी हमें कर्नाटक के बारे में मिले हैं। मैं इतना ही कहूंगा कि चाहे कोई भी राज्य सरकार हो, इसकी चिन्ता न करें। हम रियली डीसैंट्रलाइज़ेशन ऑफ पावर के बारे में मानते हैं, लेकिन चीन का जो कम्पीटिशन हो रहा है, उसके हिसाब से पूरे देश के १२-१४ जितने भी राज्य हैं, बिल सब पर लागू होगा। इसलिए जब रूल फ्रेम करने का मामला आएगा, तब सब राज्यों के साथ बैठकर बात करेंगे, उसके बाद प्लानिंग करेंगे, जिससे आप जो कहते हैं, वह प्राब्लम नही आए। मुझे इतना ही इटरवीन करना था।…( व्यवधान) The detailed reply will be given by the Minister of State.
सभापति महोदय : आप इसे आश्वासन मान लें।
SHRI ANANTH KUMAR : Sir, I thank the hon. Minister for this assurance. Shri Ramchandra Gowda, the hon. Minister for Sericulture, Government of Karnataka and Shri K.H. Muniyappa have taken special interests. All our other MPs have also taken special interests. My only request is that there should not be any duplication of the mechanism. There should not be policing of the activities which is being done by the State Governments. There should not be any centralisation from decentralisation.
Sir, the hon. Minister of Textiles, Shri Shankersinh Vaghela, has already assured this House including myself that he is going to take adequate care in rule making. I also request him that during the advent of the next Session in November, if possible, we should be allowed to move an amendment to delete these clauses from the Bill also.
With these words, I once again thank the hon. Minister for bringing forward this Bill.
डॉ. राजेश मिश्रा (वाराणसी) : सभापति महोदय, मैं केन्द्रीय रेशम बोर्ड (संशोधन) विधेयक, २००६ का पुरजोर समर्थन करने के लिए खड़ा हुआ हूं। मैं बधाई देना चाहूंगा कि कर्नाटक ने शुरू से रेशम पैदा करने के क्षेत्र में अच्छा काम किया है। लेकिन जब विपक्ष के माननीय साथी इस पर चर्चा कर रहे थे तब हम यह कहना चाहते हैं कि आज की परिस्थितियों में, विश्व के परिवेश में चाइना से रेशम के क्षेत्र में लगातार प्रतिस्पर्धाएं हो रही हैं। जिसका परिणाम यह हुआ कि आज हिन्दुस्तान का बुनकर, यूपीए सरकार जब से सत्ता में आयी है, उसके बाद रेशम के क्षेत्र में, हैंडलूम के क्षेत्र में लगातार सब्सिडी और अन्य सारी सुविधाओं को देने के बाद भी आज तक हम यह नहीं कह सकते कि हिन्दुस्तान का बुनकर अपने पैरों पर खड़ा हो पाया है। यही स्थिति किसानों की है। …( व्यवधान) जब यह संशोधन विधेयक पेश हो रहा है, तो हम दो चीजें जानना चाहते हैं कि क्या केन्द्र सरकार का यह अधिकार नहीं है कि वह यह संशोधन कर पाये ? माननीय सदस्य समवर्ती सूची की चर्चा कर रहे थे। यह सही है कि समवर्ती सूची का विषय है, लेकिन संशोधन तो हो सकता है। देश के व्यापक इंटरैस्ट में सरकार कोई कानून तो बना सकती है जिससे रेशम के किसान, वीवर्स जो इस क्षेत्र में लगे हुए हैं, उन सबको फायदा हो सके। इस तरह का कानून बनता है। आज कर्नाटक हिन्दुस्तान में ५१ परसेंट रेशम प्रोडेक्ट करता है। समय-समय पर सरकारों ने हिन्दुस्तान के दूसरे प्रांतों में और दूसरे प्रांतों के दूसरे राज्यों में किसानों को ढेर सारी सुविधाएं दीं ताकि लोग रेशम पैदा करें। उस प्रक्रिया को अपनायें जिससे रेशम ज्यादा से ज्यादा हिन्दुस्तान में हो। उसके बाद हम यहां तक कहना चाहेंगे कि इस क्षेत्र में जितनी और सुविधाएं हम दे सकते हैं, उसे भी इसमें इन्कलूड करना चाहिए। उन सुविधाओं को इसमें इन्कलूड करके उन किसानों को, जो इस कारोबार से जुड़े हुए बुनकर हैं, उन्हें और ज्यादा से ज्यादा सुविधाएं दी जायें। हम चाइना को देख रहे हैं। जो कपड़ा हिन्दुस्तान में ८०० रुपये में तैयार होता है, उससे कम कीमत पर अच्छा कपड़ा तैयार होकर यहां आ रहा है। यदि उस प्रतिस्पर्धा में हमारे हिन्दुस्तान के किसान और बुनकर कम्पीट नहीं करेंगे, तो करोड़ों लोग जो इस पेशे में लगे हुए हैं, उनका क्या होगा?
जहां तक कर्नाटक की बात है, तो वहां के किसानों को और ज्यादा मजबूत करने की आवश्यकता है जिससे वह और ज्यादा रेशम पैदा कर सकें। लेकिन उसके साथ-साथ वही द्ृष्टिकोण पूरे हिन्दुस्तान के लिए अपनाया जाये। सरकार जब उनको और ज्यादा राहत देगी तब हम समझते हैं कि आज की प्रतिस्पर्धा मे हिन्दुस्तान कम्पीट कर पायेगा। पार्लियामैंट की स्टैंडिंग कमेटी ने इस संशोधन के लिए रिकमंड किया था। राज्य सभा ने इस संशोधन बिल को आलरेडी पास किया है। हम यह कहना चाहते हैं कि इस संशोधन की स्वीकृति के बाद सरकार को इस बात पर ध्यान देना चाहिए कि ज्यादा से ज्यादा रेशम हिन्दुस्तान में और कैसे पैदा किया जा सकता है ?
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SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA (BANKURA): Mr. Chairman, Sir, the hon. Minister has admitted that due to liberalisation and globalisation policies being pursued by the Central Government, there has been an adverse impact on the silk industry in the country and as a result of this, there is a need to regulate some of the activities of the silk industry.
Sir, it is a fact that Karnataka is the major silk-producing State in our country and 51 per cent of our country’s total silk production comes from Karnataka. There are four other States apart from Karnataka where silk is being produced and they have their own Acts.
I have gone through the Report of the Standing Committee on Labour. It is stated in this report that views of major silk-producing States have been taken. There is some ground for the objection raised by Karnataka and it is necessary to assure that the proposed amendments would not disturb the existing set up. The Government of Tamil Nadu has also raised serious reservations in regard to some of the amendments that have been proposed in the existing amending legislation. The Government of Karnataka has stated that the role of the Central Silk Board, within the ambit of objectives contained in the mandate, is welcome whereas such of the amendments which lead to duplication and overlapping may be dropped in the best interest of the industry. This is the main objection of the Government of Karnataka. So, we will have to see whether the mandate is being diluted by this amendment or not.
Sir, we know that there is a crisis in the silk industry. It is a fact that a large number of people are involved in the production of cocoon and silk. It is also a fact that there has been an increase in the production of both cocoon as well as silk, but there has not been commensurate increase in the income of farmers. There are some traditional silk-producing States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, but there are some non-traditional States also like the State of Jammu and Kashmir. So, I would like to know from the Minister as to what is the necessity for bringing this amendment and what is the need to regulate and whether it is because of import liberalisation. The anti-dumping law has already been imposed against dumping of silk from some countries. But what is the necessity to regulate the quality and standard of production of silkworm seeds?
I would like to know whether the State Seri-culture Departments are capable to produce better quality of seeds or not.
We have about four to five research centres throughout the country and research works are also being undertaken there. Today, they have developed bivoltine and there has been some development in regard to quality of silk, also by improving the quality of silk and by reducing our cost of production. I would like to know whether we will not be able to compete with the foreign countries who are exporting silk to our country and because of that our traditional industries like silk are being adversely affected. That we will have to see.
Some apprehensions are also expressed by the Standing Committee. I would like to know from the hon. Minister, when he replies to the debate, whether those suggestions have been incorporated in the legislation after the Standing Committee has submitted its report. One apprehension, and this is very important, is that small scale seed farmers/producers may lose their jobs as a result of the proposed amendment. The Committee further recommends that provision should also be incorporated in the Bill to impart training to small-scale seed farmers/producers in other fields/areas of seri-culture to enable them to carry their livelihood. This is very important because the farmers who are involved in the production of cocoon are small and marginal farmers.
There is also an apprehension of it being monopolised because it has been stated in the report. The Committee were informed that the cost of setting up of multi-voltine grainage as per specification of the Bill may be around Rs.10 lakh. The cost of bivoltine grainage along with cold storage, which is an essential requirement for bivoltine silk worm seed production may be around Rs.1 crore. As such, there is a danger of private sector monopolised by a few people to take over the production of silk worm seeds in the country and this may adversely affect the interests of 1,300 small-scale seed producers.
सभापति महोदय : अब आप समाप्त करें।
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : Sir, I have a few points and I would like to highlight those. While the hon. Minister replies to this debate, he will reply to these important points.
So, I would like to know whether this will be monopolised by a few people and then what will happen to these 1,300 small-scale producers; whether their livelihood will be adversely affected or not.
Sir, I will take the opportunity to point out some of the problems of Central Silk Board. We have recently met the hon. Minister. There are a large number of vacancies of scientists. The main function of the Central Silk Board is to develop the new types or new kinds of silk to produce quality silk. Unless, there are adequate number of scientists, how can research work be undertaken by the Central Silk Board?
In a number of research centres, there are a large number of vacancies. There are about 2,500 casual workers. They are called time scale workers. They are time scale workers for 15 to 20 years. A decision was taken to convert time scale workers to give them temporary status. That decision was taken and order was issued. Even some workers got increased salary but subsequently, after two months, that order issued by the Ministry of Textiles was withdrawn. The Ministry of Textiles withdrew the order after two months.
I would like to request that not only the measures which he has proposed in the amending legislation be taken into consideration but also the problems that the Central Silk Board is facing today like the problem of finance, the problem of fund, the problem of inadequate number of scientists, and the problem of workers, should be taken into consideration. I hope, while replying to the debate, the Minister will clarify all those points.
SHRI E.G. SUGAVANAM (KRISHNAGIRI): Hon. Chairman, Sir, let me thank the Chair for giving me an opportunity to participate in this discussion on Central Silk Board (Amendment) Bill, 2006. On behalf of my Party Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) while supporting this Bill, let me put forth some points for consideration.
Silk production is an important occupation under industry all over the world. Very few countries have developed the art of producing silk. About 70,000 units with looms were operating in our country, but now there are only about 35,000 units with looms are in operation due to their facing closure. This situation has arisen out of tough competition from some of our neighbouring countries. Abundant import of Chinese silk has brought about this impasse. Hence, I urge upon the Union Government to go for a time bound ultimatum to ban import of silk from China. In order to ensure this, anti-dumping tax has been introduced. Still I would like to impress upon the Union Government to impose a ban on silk import permanently. Such a measure should be to help the silk producing units in the country.
Import of Chinese silk has increased manifold. It has increased by 6,560 per cent. This has greatly affected our own silk producing units. Many units are facing closure, because they cannot go on in the wake of a stiff competition. Even when credit facilities are extended at a lower rate of interest, these silk units cannot run. Even funds and assistance for improving and developing the technology and technique do not help to improve the situation. Hence, I urge upon the Union Government to take special care and interest extending a special package to this silk industry.
* English Translation of the speech originally delivered in Tamil.
Production of cocoon and the growing of mulberry trees are not covered under Crop Insurance Scheme. It is necessary to bring them under Crop Insurance Scheme while conducive atmosphere is created for marketing and exporting silk products. The Government must set up export facilitation centres wherever necessary.
In Tamilnadu at Hosur in our Krishnagiri district there is a Sericulture Institute. I request you to expand and strengthen it. The climatic conditions available there is ideal for the production of cocoons. Under TUFS technological development and upgradation is taken care of in textile sector. This must be available to silk industry and especially sericulture.
Quality of silk cloths are ensured by way of providing ‘Hallmark’ labels. Despite this move of the Government, there are still shops and traders who fleece the customers with silk cloths of inferior quality. They cheat on the public, they exploit the taste of the unsuspecting public by way of providing substandard silk material. They even pass on artificial fibre as silk. Public must be saved from being exploited by these unscrupulous traders. In order to help the public to identify quality silk material, special markets should be provided.
By virtue of being a member of the Central Silk Board, I have come across several farmers involved in the production of silk and I have studied their problems. Last week, the Members of the Central Silk Board and the officials met our Hon. Minister to impress upon him the urgent need to attend to the problems faced by those who are involved in the silk production in the absence of marketing, exporting and funding facilities. Hence, I urge upon the Union Government to set up a silk corporation in the pattern of textile corporation or cotton corporation.
Silk industry needs to be developed and for this, the ideal traditional centres like Banaras, Kanchipuram and Hosur must be declared as special silk zones.
There are many people who are employed as casual and temporary labourers and their services must be regularized and such of those employees must be made permanent. Vacant posts there must be filled immediately. I find that even casual labourers on daily wages are not getting their dues. They must be ensured of gainful employment on a daily basis. It is for a long time that they have not got any increase in wages. They are not getting adequate increase.
Under special SGSY projects implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, all the activities pertaining to silk industry must get clearance and fund flow.
Considering the growth in technology, Silk Board must be helped to engage qualified scientists to take up research. Silk Board must get a matching standardized and growth on a par with CSIR.
There must be extension service facilities in the form of officials of the Silk Board getting excess to meet the farmers involved in cocoon production. They must take to these farmers the new techniques and technologies in getting quality silk yarn. Such officials must get adequate transport facility to be on the reach out to the needy farmers and workers involved in sericulture. Private sector production of cocoon must get enough of encouragement.
It is necessary to study and explain the achievements of the Central Silk Board during the Tenth Five Year Plan period. Silk production must be augmented during the Eleventh Five Year Plan period.
Timely help must be available to the farmers to grow healthy cocoons. Disease prevention measures must be taken in time. As such, the catalytic development programme has been taken up effectively. It must be continued through the Eleventh Five Year Plan period also. Pebrine is a disease that affects silk. Hence, effective steps must be taken up to eradicate completely this pebrine disease that affects mulberry trees and the silk worms.
Quality yarn produced in the private sector must be procured by the Centre directly. If they are encouraged to export directly, they can help increase the foreign exchange reserves of the country.
Thousands of poor farmers and agricultural workers are involved in silk production in the rural areas. Most of them are carrying on silk production involving all their family members. Many self-help groups of women have also come forward to seriously engage themselves in sericulture. To improve their living standards and to ensure their livelihood appropriate steps and measures should be taken by the Government. Our Leader and the Hon. Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi has provided free electricity and necessary credit facilities to these farmers through co-operative bodies. Hence, I urge upon the Union Government to extend such meaningful measures to other weavers all over the country. Sericulture has been taken up in a big way in Krishnagiri, Hosur, Dharmapuri, Thali and particularly in Gopichettipalayam and Satyamangalam that come under the constituency of our Minister of State for Textiles Shri E.V.K.S. Elangovan. I urge upon the Union Government to evolve schemes to ensure that the farmers involved in this are getting remunerative prices for their produce and adequate facilities for producing quality cocoons and silk yarn. Only then, we would be able to provide a competitive edge to our silk industry. With this I conclude.
श्री शैलेन्द्र कुमार (चायल) : माननीय सभापति महोदय, आपने मुझे केन्द्रीय रेशम बोर्ड संशोधन विधेयक २००६ पर बोलने का मौका दिया, इसके लिए मैं आपका आभारी हूं। वैसे यह विधेयक राज्य सभा में पारित हो चुका है। अब लोक सभा में पारित होने जा रहा है। मैं इस विधेयक के समर्थन में बोलने के लिए खड़ा हुआ हूं। जैसा अभी श्री अनन्त कुमार ने कहा कि और यह बात भी सत्य है कि रेशम का सबसे ज्यादा कर्नाटक में उत्पादन होता है। वहां करीब ५० प्रतिशत रेशम होता है। यहां तमाम सदस्यों ने अपने विचार प्रकट किए हैं। आपको याद होगा कि आज से कई वर्षों पूर्व हिन्दुस्तान में टेरीकोट और टेरालीन, गर्वाडीन के कपड़े नहीं होते थे। ऐसे कपड़े विदेशों से आते थे। गरीब, मध्यम और अमीर लोगों में यही प्रचलन था कि विदेशी कपड़े पहने जाएं। अब बहुत सी बहुराष्ट्रीय कम्पनियां हमारे यहां आ रही हैं। अभी कहा गया है कि विदेशी कपड़े यहां बहुत सस्ते दामों में आते हैं और यहां का कपड़ा उसके मुकाबले मूल्य में अधिक होता है। उसकी लागत भी ज्यादा पड़ती है। पुराने गाने सुनते थे कि "कानपुर की चप्पल और बनारस की साड़ी। "
मैं उत्तर प्रदेश से आता हूं। इसलिए वाराणसी की साड़ी के विषय में कहना चाहूंगा। वह साड़ी का केन्द्र था। मैं सोच रहा था कि भाई राजेश जी जो बनारस से आते हैं, वह इसका जरूर उल्लेख करेंगे। बनारस की साड़ी बहुत प्रसिद्ध है और वह साड़ी का केन्द्र रहा है लेकिन आज वहां साड़ी उद्योग बिल्कुल बन्द होने के कगार पर है। वह उद्योग बंद होने जा रहा है। बहुत कम लोग उसका व्यवसाय कर रहे हैं। वहां की साड़ी बहुत कम बिकती है। मैं इस विधेयक के माध्यम से सरकार से कहना चाहूंगा कि कम से कम ऐसे केन्द्र जहां साड़ी का कारोबार ज्यादा होता है, वहां किसानों को रेशम की खेती के लिए सबसिडी, ऋण उपलब्ध कराए, प्रोत्साहन दिए जाए ताकि वे साड़ी उद्योग से जुड़ सकें। उत्तर प्रदेश में बुनकर बहुत ज्यादा हैं।
सभापति महोदय, आप भी उत्तर प्रदेश से आते हैं। चाहे वह मऊ हो या परियावां हो या अकबरपुर हो। तमाम ऐसी जगहों में हथकरघे से बनाए कपड़े बहुत प्रसिद्ध हैं। मैं चाहूंगा कि जिस व्यवसाय से अल्पसंख्यक मुस्लिम भाई जुड़े हैं, वहां रेशम उद्योग में लगे भाइयों को सबसिडी ऋण देकर या उसके कीड़ों को पालने को बढ़ावा देने के लिए सरकार प्रोत्साहन दे। इससे हिन्दुस्तान के कोने-कोने में यह उद्योग बढ़ सकता है और भारतवर्ष बहुराष्ट्रीय कम्पनियों के मुकाबले में आ सकता है। इसका एक पेड़ होता है जिस में रेशम की कीड़े होते हैं। किसानों को इसमें बहुत मेहनत करनी पड़ती है और उन कीड़ों को पालने, जेनरेशन का विशेष ध्यान करना पड़ता है। जैसे-जैसे जेनरेशन बढ़ेगा उतने ज्यादा रेशम के कीड़े भी होंगे और रेशम भी ज्यादा मिलेगा। उन रेशम के धागों को निकाला जाता है फिर रील बनती है। वह तमाम तरह की प्रोसैसिंग में आता है, मिलों में जाता है और कुछ हाथों से बनता है। इसमें किसानों की सहभागिता ज्यादातर देखी गई है। हम सदन में हमेशा चर्चा करते हैं चाहे वह कपास की खेती की हो या रेशम उद्योग की हो या नारियल उद्योग से जुड़े किसानों की हो, वे किसान ज्यादा आत्महत्या करते हैं।
चूंकि हम यहां केन्द्रीय रेशम बोर्ड (संशोधन) विधेयक पर चर्चा कर रहे हैं, इसलिए मैं चाहूंगा कि रेशम के उत्पादन पर यह सरकार विशेष ध्यान दे, खासकर किसानों को सब्सिडी दे और उनके लिए ज्यादा ऋण की व्यवस्था कराए ताकि वहां पर रेशम का ज्यादा उत्पादन हो सके और रेशम उद्योग को भी बढ़ावा मिल सके। इन्हीं बातों के साथ मैं आपको धन्यवाद देते हुए अपनी बात समाप्त करता हूं।
14.35 hrs (Mr. Deputy-Speaker in the Chair) SHRI B. MAHTAB (CUTTACK): Sir, I stand here to deliberate on the Central Silk Board (Amendment) Bill. As has been stated, the Central Silk Board Act came into force in 1948. The basic purpose was to develop and modulate the silk trade in this country. Today import of silk has played havoc in the market. The Chinese silk is spoiling the purity.
I would like to draw the attention of the Minister that at one point of time Orissa was famous for producing silk and also marketing silk products. Kalingan maritime history is replete with instances depicting the silk trade it had with the South-East Asian countries and how trade with both Romans, Arabs and Chinese and Far-East countries flourished. The silk trade flourished during that period.
During the arrival of the European traders, written documents depict the finesse and expertise the weavers of Utkal or Orissa, as it is called, had. The trade and commerce by different Ports of Orissa, namely Baleshwar, Chandbali, Gopalpur continued till 1930. But after Independence, Orissa does not figure in the silk map of India. What is the cause? I do not know. Even after 60 years, the Government has not woken up. Orissa has large tracts of forests where silk worms are home grown by Adivasis, especially in the district of Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar and in all the KBK districts. They need support. Market has to be energised.
In this Bill, a number of States have been mentioned. But the State of Orissa has not been mentioned. A representative of Orissa Government should also find place in the Committee. Weavers of Cuttack, Ganjam and Sambalpur have specialised in value adding the silk and it works like a patent. The Bomkai silk of Berhampur, Sambalpuri of Sambalpur and Maniabandhi silk of Cuttack are world famous yet Orissa remains unrepresented in the silk map of this country. I would like to know why this discrimination is done. I want to know whether you are going to add Orissa in it.
At the same time, I would like to say that sericulture is to be promoted and should be supported by the Union Government in a concerted manner in those States which have natural forests. This would give added income to the Scheduled Tribe people. I would again urge the Government to include Orissa.
My second point here is that recently a news item has been published, and I am sure the Minister is aware and has heard about Kusuma Rajaiah of Andhra Pradesh and the process he has popularised by not slaughtering of any living organism. He is allowing the moth to fly away before boiling the cocoons for reeling silk. Such eco-friendly method of manufacturing mulberry silk yarn should be encouraged. Not only the Jains but those who believe in non-violence and are interested in proper maintenance of ecology should encourage this also. Though this method spares the worm of a brutal death, it costs more than the conventional method. Under the traditional method, a single cocoon yields nearly 500 metres of shimmering yarn in filament form whereas the non-violent method produces 60-70 metres of yarn, less shining and discontinuous.
Hence it has to be hand-woven or mill-spun. The silk, though more expensive, is sweat-absorbent and the couture-conscious love it.
The third point here is that the silk sector in India needs to be modernised. It has to go beyond cottage industry status. The output levels have to improve. Without these changes, even the anti-dumping cases will achieve nothing.
Today China needs a major importer like India. India’s domestic and export markets for silk products are growing. The local silk production has been more or less stagnant. Even in the last 60 years not much improvement has been done. My question here is this. What steps have been taken to increase silk production in our country? China is dumping cheap silk hurting the Indian silk-growers. What steps the Government has taken to make a price-support measure to help the local silk growers?
Traditionally, India has been the only country in the world which produces all five known commercial varieties of silk namely mulberry, tussar, oak, eri and muga. Most of these silks are not ideally suited for high speed power looms and the industrial sector. What steps are you taking to bring in the technology transfer?
I conclude by saying this. The traditional silk-producing belts need to be promoted. India’s silk industry today is decentralised and so structured as to prevent inflow of more capital. These issues need to be addressed.
SHRI M. SHIVANNA (CHAMRAJANAGAR) : Sir, I thank you for giving me an opportunity to speak on the Central Silk Board (Amendment) Bill 2006. I would like to support this Bill on behalf of JD(S). Karnataka is the premier silk producing State, contributing more than 50% of the country’s, and 5.62% of world’s mulberry raw silk production. Nearly 88,000 hectares is under mulberry cultivation, giving employment to 12 lakh persons in both downstream and upstream Sericultural activities. Nearly 12252 reeling units employing 82500 reling workers are functioning in the State. 76 Government grainages and 477 private licensed seed prepares are engaged in production of quality seeds in addition to 6 grainages of Central Silk Board. The silkworm cocoons produced by the farmers are traded on a day-to-day basis in 66 Government Cocoon Markets and I would like to place on record that the system has been well accepted by the farmers and the reelers mainly because of the transparency involved in the transactions, accurate weighment and cash payment to farmers on the same day of transaction Government has set up 10 silk Exchanges in the State for the sale and purchase of raw silk yarn. Karnataka has also set up Silk Marketing Board with a view to stabilize the silk prices. The State has also a well established silk weaving facility under the aegis of Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation producing the world famous Mysore crepe silk sarees.
The State has established 96 Sericulture Farms producing the basic seed, both multivoltine and bivoltine, at P3, P2 and P1 stages of multiplication, of provide the basic seed required for commercial seed production. The cocoons are also traded in Government facilitated seed cocoons markets, which provides a platform for selection of quality seed cocoons of the choice of the seed prepares. The State has established a Seed Area for production of pure Mysore multivoltine seed cocoons and 38 bivoltine seed areas.
* English Translation of the speech originally delivered in Kannada.
These Farms and Seed Areas also cater to the needs of seed cocoons of other State like, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharastra. This system has ensured supply of quality seed cocoons of proper genealogy through out the year. The advantages of seed areas are rearing is done in a compact area where crop monitoring, seed cocoon production, disease management and procurement/marketing of seed cocoons are ensured systematically. Over the years, the State has evolved a prefect system of extension and transfer of technology by establishing 246 Technical Service Centres to cater to the needs of reelers. The State has also established one Research and Development Institute and 6 Sericulture Training Institutes for training the farmers, reelers, private seed producers and the personnel of Department of Sericulture. The Department of Sericulture in Karnataka has an active strength of 443 qualified technical officers and 2506 technical personnel fulfilling the responsibilities of extension, transfer of technology, inspection and monitoring. The sericulture sector in Karnataka is supported by a budgetary grant of Rs.50.41 crores under Plan (including Rs.15.00 crores from Central Silk Board) and Rs.110.00 crores under Non-Plan.
Karnataka State is having a reasonably foolproof legislation since 1959, enforced in the entire State. The Karnataka Silkworm Seed, Cocoon and Silk Yarn (Regulation of Production, Supply, Distribution and Sale) Act, 1959 regulates the production of quality silkworm seeds, rearing of silkworms, possession, disposal, sale or purchase of silkworms, silkworm cocoons, licensing of reeling establishments and establishing and maintenance of cocoons and silk markets. The existing laws are adequate of ensure production and supply of quality silkworm seed. The provisions in the Karnataka Silkworm Seed, Cocoon and Silk Yarn (Regulation of Production Supply, Distribution and Sale) Act, 1959 are stringent enough to ensure quality and liberal enough to encourage large scale production of silkworm seed. It may not be out of place to mention here that the sericulture sector in the State has successfully ensured disease-freeness in seed crops. The ever-fatal pebrine disease has been controlled effectively by the State machinery, facilitated by constant vigil and frequent inspections at all stages commencing from the maintenance of basic seed. The dreaded pebrine disease, which attacked the silkworms in Karnataka during 1991-92, has not recurred again due to these efforts. There was no total crop loss at the farmer’s level due to any of the silkworm diseases.
The new races of mulberry and silkworms given to us by the Central Silk Board and State Research Institutes, combined with improved packaged of practices, ably transferred to the farmer’s fields, have contributed to :
a) Adoption high-yielding mulberry varieties and silkworm races. b) Increase in per 100 dfls cocoon productivity-28 kgs. Per 100 dfls in 1990-90 has increased to 53 kgs. in 2005-06. c) Increase in per hectare cocoon productivity and income generation –348 kgs. per hectare in 1990-91 has increased to 632 kgs. in 2005-06. d) Increased in total production of silk – from 6224 MTs in 1990-90 to 7471 MTs. in 2005-06. e) Improvement in renditta – from 9.5 in 1990-91 to 7.42 in 2005-06. f) Increase in per hectare silk productivity – 41.5 kgs. per hectare in 1990-91 has increased to 93.6 kgs. in 2005-06. g) Decrease in cost of production and increase in the income to the farmers – Rs.29,861/- average income from one hectare in 1990-91 to has increased to Rs.78,987/- in 2005-06. h) Improvement in the quality and price of raw silk – the prices increased from an average Rs.705/- per kg. in 1990-91 to Rs.1052/- in 2005-06. i) Decrease in drudgery.
The directly influences the socio-economic conditions of the farmers and reelers. More and more farmers have been adopting advanced technologies, and also, more and more large farmers are being attracted to cultivation and rearing of silkworms. The commercial silkworm cocoon rates have been improving to the advantage of the farmers.
Under the circumstances, some of the provisions proposed in the Central Silk Board (Amendment) Bill, 2005, run parallel to the provisions in the Karnataka Silkworm Seed, Cocoon and Silk Yarn (Regulation of Production, Supply, Distribution and Sale) Act, 1959 and therefore, would amount to duplication, overlapping & probably confusion as well.
(i) The provisions relating to constitution of central Silkworm Seed Committee to specify quality parameters for silkworm seed, regulation of export and import of silkworm seed, constitution of Hybrid Authorization Committee, etc. are welcome.
(ii) however, provisions relating to registration of seed producers and imposition of conditions requirements to be met by such producers may not be necessary. Adequate provisions to this effect are already in place and being practiced in Karnataka as per the Karnataka Legislation.
(iii) The programming and planning of silkworm seed production should be left to the sole discretion of the State as it relates to the very basic functioning of the Directorate of Sericulture in the State. The Directorate, having 246 grassroot level Technical Service Centres with trained manpower, is in a better position to assess the requirement of silkworm seed and plan for its timely production and distribution. The Directorate in Karnataka ensure production and distribution of an average of one core disease free layings per month. The basic seed cocoons required for this magnitude of production is also assessed in advanced, planned and produced in the State considering seasonality.
(iv) In the Karnataka Silkworm Seed, Cocoon and Silk Yarn (Regulation of Production, Supply, Distribution and Sale) Act, Sericulture Demonstrators and above level staff in the field have been notified. The inspect the grainages and certify the silkworm eggs before release to the farmers about its disease freeness. The quality and the disease-freeness of the silkworm eggs are ensured by means of microscopic examination of pupae and mother moths before release to the farmers. These staff is provided with advanced instruments and technical know-how to record the quality certifications.
(v) Moreover, the quality of seed cocoons produced in the seed areas, marketed and used for production eggs is also monitored stringently and certified before sale in markets.
(vi) Under the circumstances, constitution of silkworm seed Certification Agencies would only add to delay and make the entire process more cumbersome and difficult from the view point of farmers. Inclusion of this provision in the proposed amendment would amount to duplication the existing provisions and practice.
Under the existing Karnataka Silkworm Seed, Cocoon and Silk Yarn (Regulation of Production Supply, Distribution and Sale) Act, seed testing is conducted in the seed production centers by the staff on day-to-day basis. the working of the officials is specified and seed testing is be conducted before selection for seed. The production of eggs is frequently tested for disease-freeness. Only after certification they are permitted to be supplied to the farmers. Therefore, the proposed amendments relating to setting up of Central Seed Testing Laboratory, testing and inspection may be limited to the silk worm seed intended for export or import.
The Central Silk Board is the principal agency in the country to advise Government of India and State Government as well on the various aspects concerning the different activities involved in the sericulture industry. Its role in the areas of evolution of new races, research, development and promotion of advanced technologies is paramount and should naturally become the focus of its activities.
(i) The subject of bringing in a Central Legislation for regulating production and distribution of silkworm seed is being discussed since 1986. Even the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce (1995-96), in its 14th Report on Sericulture presented to the Rajya Sabha on 31st May, 1995 has elaborated on these aspects and has observed that the Central Silk Board should gradually relieve itself from the unassigned role such as extension centres for propagation of mulberry cultivation, production of dfls, seed distribution, etc. which are in the domain of the State Government, and, leave such functions to the State Governments to act what is really in their domain.
(ii) The respective roles of Central Silk Board and State Departments of Sericulture need to be clearly defined to make the whole system user-friendly and efficient and definitely helps in increasing qualitative and quantitative silk production in the country, in general and Karnataka in particular.
(iii) The Central Silk Board should integrate vertically the various practices and bring in harmonization with the objective of production of superior quality silk, which is the need of the hour.
(iv) The State Government has an open mind on certain amendments to the Karnataka Legislation suggested by Central Silk Board and Ministry of Textiles and is under the process of review with a view to bring in liberalization in the context of the global challenges in the sericulture sector.
Therefore, it is the considered view of the Department of Sericulture, that any amendment proposed to enhance the role of Central Silk Board within the ambit of the objectives contained in its Mandate is welcome, whereas, such of the amendment which lead to duplication and overlapping may be dropped in the best interest of the Industry. I wholeheartedly welcome this Bill.
Sir, I thank you and with these words I conclude my speech.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Shri Suresh Angadi. You may please finish in four or five minutes.
SHRI SURESH ANGADI (BELGAUM): Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, the Central Silk Board (Amendment) Bill has been introduced by the hon. Minister of Textiles. As Shri Ananth Kumar has already expressed the facts and figures, there are five States – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Kashmir – which are growing silk in the country. I am proud to say that more than 50 per cent of the silk is produced in Karnataka only. This Act being the Central Act may overlap the State Act - this duplication should not be there – because usually the Central Acts nullify the State Acts. So, the farmers will have to comply with the two laws, one enacted by the State Government and the other enacted by the Central Government. That is why, I oppose this Bill.
In this connection, the figures of the Central Government show the production of silk at 7,000 tonnes in the last 20 years, and there is no improvement. So, the Central Government should take initiative to improve the quality of silk and help farmers grow more silk, to encourage the unemployed youth in the rural areas. We can go through the details as explained by Shri Ananth Kumar and also other colleagues. Today, Karnataka is the only State and in Karnataka, my constituency Belgaum is one of the important places for growing silk. So, I would request that a research centre should be started in Belgaum District of Karnataka.
My request to the hon. Minister is that instead of implementing the Central Act, he should give powers to the States only to encourage more production of silk. While Shri Ananth Kumar was speaking, the hon. Minister of Textiles has promised that he will not allow overlapping. If he makes that, the States will take care of the farmers.
With these words, I conclude.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Now Shrimati Tejaswini See Ramesh will speak. You may speak for four or five minutes.
14.49 hrs. SHRIMATI TEJASWINI SEERAMESH (KANAKAPURA): Sir, it is very unfair to give very short time to women because it is a Bill relating to silk.
उपाध्यक्ष महोदय : उन्होंने दो मिनट लिये हैं। मैंने आपको चार-पांच मिनट दिये हैं।
SHRIMATI TEJASWINI SEERAMESH : Sir, I will obey the Chair. You can trust me. … (Interruptions)
Silk is the symbol of beauty and splendour in this country. Every woman is having weakness for silk. I know that you are all like my brothers and fathers. The men of this country are having a weakness for women as their mothers, sisters or daughters. All men like women as their dear ones. So, naturally, to please them whenever they are upset in the house, they will follow the secret route, silk route to appease them, but definitely we need more time to debate the matter of silk where 60 per cent of women engaged in agriculture are depending on the profession of sericulture.
Sir, Indian silk is particularly famous in the southern part of India. Karnataka is producing 51 per cent of the total amount of Indian silk. India is the largest producer of raw silk in the world, and it is only next to China and has 14 per cent share in the global raw silk production.
India’s annual production in the year 2005-2006 was around 17,305 metric tonnes. At the same time, its total consumption of silk is 25,000 metric tonnes. This means that there is a potential to grow 8,000 metric tonnes more. Now, China is exploiting this opportunity to dump all its Bivoltine Mulberry Silk of international quality. Therefore, there is a need to grow more silk to meet the domestic demand. Definitely, Tassar, Vanya, Muga, Eri, Mulberry, and our State’s pride, namely, Mysore silk is having a lot of potential and a lot of demand.
There is also a lot of difference between the choice of North Indians and South Indians. We will go by the weight of the silk, weight of the saree, and colour and design of the saree. On the other hand, people in North India prefer lighter silk. This growing of silk or wearing of the silk reflects the culture, tradition and topography.
We have lot of export potential these days, and it is a great opportunity for us. The export earnings from silk are growing steadily because of the increasing demand for Indian silk goods, particularly, from the European countries. This is reflected in the export earnings, which was Rs. 2,294 crore during the year 2002-2003, and it has increased to Rs. 3,158 crore in the year 2005-2006. This shows 38 per cent demand growth.
We have a lot of potential to export, and it will definitely benefit the rural Indians were sericulture is the main profession. The Indian silk goods also have high export potential because of its distinctiveness and low production cost. It will also provide more employment potential because sericulture has been promoted as the agro-based, labour-intensive, rural-oriented cottage industry in the country providing gainful employment mainly to the weaker and marginalised sections of the society. It is a highly remunerative occupation because it needs very little capital to start this profession. One kilogram of raw silk generates 11 mandays of work, which is really unnoticed. We must strengthen the sericulture industry, and silk profession.
It also provides employment to women. Approximately six million people are employed in it, and around 61 per cent of them are women. This is happening because they can do the production of silk even while doing their domestic work like taking care of the cattle, etc. This will give results within 1½ months, and it will be supporting their small family. Therefore, it needs to be strengthened.
Another point that is worth mentioning is that it is eco-friendly. Majorities of our silk goods are purchased by the urban rich and middle-class consumers, and around 57 per cent of the final silk value of the silk fabrics goes back to the primary producers.
Sir, you are looking at the watch, but I would request you to give me a couple of minutes more to speak on this issue.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: No, I would be able to give you only one more minute to speak. Please conclude your speech in one minute.
SHRIMATI TEJASWINI SEERAMESH: This Bill aims to strengthen this industry. It will also not at all interfere in the powers of the State Government. Definitely, it will strengthen the farmers, reelers and weavers. We must produce quality seeds and quality cocoon as this is the need of the hour, that is, to meet the international challenge. Otherwise, our neighbouring countries will definitely exploit our weakness.
So India is having every potential and my Government is very much concerned with this. As a Member of Parliament from Karnataka, I am bound to protect all democratic powers enjoyed by the State Government. In this connection, I have already met Shri Muniyappa. Some other Members from the ruling benches have also met him and he assured us in this regard.
So once again I would request the Government through the Chair to help us to strengthen the Central Silk Board to help the farmers, reelers and weavers.
With these words, I would like to conclude.
SHRI MANJUNATH KUNNUR (DHARWAD SOUTH): Sir, I thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to speak on the Central Silk Board (Amendment) Bill. In this connection, already our leader, Shri Ananth Kumar, one of my other colleague and also my sister, Shrimati Tejaswani have spoken on this.
Unfortunately, we have moved our amendments today only. We ought to have moved them yesterday so that they could have also been taken into consideration. It is well known that Karnataka is growing sericulture, i.e., Mulberry and other Mysore silk. Karnataka produces more than 50 per cent silk of the total silk produced in the country. Therefore, the Karnataka Government had passed an Act in 1959 to strengthen the Sericulture Board and also to give encouragement to the farmers. The Mysore silk of Karnataka and Kanchi silk of Tamil Nadu which are grown in South India have a lot of potential for export. Karnataka’s status in silk production is premier. Around 50 per cent of India’s raw silk and 5.62 per cent of global silk production is there. Mulberry production is in 88,000 hectares and it provides employment to 12 lakh persons. They have created infrastructure for 12252 reeling units, 71 government grainages, six central grainages and 477 private grainages. It has created 66 cocoon markets and ten silk exchanges. So, one could see how much effort has been put by the Government of Karnataka to help the silk farmers.
Now the Central Government is amending this Act for overriding the powers of the State Governments. The silk is grown only in three to four States. So, it would have been better if the matters concerning the States are left to the concerned State Governments.
Therefore, I earnestly request the hon. Minster that before passing this Bill, some of our amendments will have to be accepted.
SHRI PRAHLAD JOSHI (DHARWAD NORTH): Sir, only five to six States are producing silk and Karnataka is one of them. I do not want to repeat the statistics already given by my colleagues but I can say that it has created direct employment for 12 lakh persons in Karnataka. It has got a foolproof legislation from 1960 onwards. With the existence of a foolproof legislation, Karnataka has grown to many fields. The growth is more than 100 per cent in the last 10 years. It has grown and has given employment to 12 lakh persons. In this context, I do not want to elaborate much but I can only say that duplication of this law will confuse the farmers and producers. For example, Section 8F pertains to the constitution of Seed Certification Agency. The silkworm seed is certified by the officer of the State Governments before release to the farmers at reeling level, market level and grainage level.
15.00 hrs. In this context I would like to state that such an action would only result in duplication. It would only mean having two policing agencies, namely, the Central Government as well as the State Governments. This will be the situation.
Sir, Section 8(e) talks about constitution of a Registration Committee empowered with registration of seeds of silkworm producers and imposing certain regulations. This power now rests with the State Governments. When it is already within the ambit of the State Governments, why should this provision be at all made? I would like to earnestly request the Central Government not to include this Section in this Bill. I would request the Central Government to delete this particular Section.
Sir, Section 8(c) refers to the powers of the Central Government to notify all kinds of varieties of silkworm seeds after consultation with the Central Silkworm Seed Committee. Another point to be noted here is that in 1995, the Standing Committee made a categorical recommendation regarding this. Discussion on this aspect has been going on since 1986. In 1986 itself a Committee was very vocal about the provisions as contained in Section 8(c), 8(d), 8(e) and 8(f). These provisions are not at all necessary.
Sir, I support the contention of the Government in matters relating to global competition, anti-dumping and such other things. The Government should fairly look into these aspects. It is not the Central Government that alone are the champions of the causes of the farmers, even the State Governments, I am not talking about my own State alone, are having their own laws and they are already protecting the interest of the farmers in the best possible manner. The Central Silk Board can certainly guide the State Governments, but such a legislation will help the cause. I would like to urge upon the hon. Minister to delete the Sections regarding having a Registration Committee and notification of silkworm seeds and such things.
SHRI R.L. JALAPPA (CHIKBALLAPUR): Sir, at the outset I would like to compliment the hon. Minister for having brought forward this amending Bill. Through this Bill, the Government seeks not only to provide certain rights but also seeks to impose certain duties on the Central Silk Board. I am especially very happy about the fact that the hon. Minister has sought to introduce two Committees – one for controlling exports and imports and the other a Hybrid Authorisation Committee. These were quite essential. This amendment was overdue and it should have been brought earlier.
My colleagues from Karnataka have already mentioned that of the total silk grown in the country, 65 to 70 per cent is grown in Karnataka. A lot of people find employment and earn their livelihood owing to this in the State. The main problem being faced by the silk growers is the competition from China. Of course, I do agree and also my colleagues and the hon. Minister would agree that there is some difference in the quality of silk grown in India as compared to what is produced in China. The quality of Indian silk is better than that of the Chinese silk. Indian silk has a lustre which is absent in the Chinese silk. But unfortunately when it is being sold at a cheaper rate people prefer to go in more for Chinese silk than Indian silk. Therefore, we have to make efforts to control import of Chinese silk so that we could safeguard the interest of the silk growers of our country.
Sir, our farmers have got a lot of difficulty. Even our weavers have got a lot of problems. I would like to request the hon. Minister to address these issues. I would also like to request the hon. Minister that he should make provisions for continuous supply of power to the sector.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: You may please conclude now.
SHRI R.L. JALAPPA : Sir, you could have given me another two minutes. I was a former Minister of Textiles. Anyway, since you are asking me to conclude, with these words, I conclude my speech.
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN): Sir, the present Central Silk Board Act does not provide for any regulatory mechanism for production and sale of silkworm seeds in the country. So, the proposed legislation’s objectives are to ensure quality standards of production of silkworm seeds, to restrict production of seeds to only authorised places, to control production and trade and to prevent entry of untested hybrids from other countries likely to be carrying disease and other risks.
The provisions which are made under the present Bill are the creation of Silkworm Seed Committee under the Central Silk Board making them responsible for standard and other related matters. The other provision is the constitution of Hybrid Authorisation and Registration Committee and the constitution of seed testing laboratories and agencies for testing, certifying and inspection of such seeds. The next provision is to vest customs officers the power of inspection with respect to export and import and making non-adherence of such standards a punishable act and making provisions to give effect to Central Silk Board notwithstanding inconsistency contained in other enactment.
The Bill was originally introduced in Rajya Sabha on 30/8/2005 which referred the Bill to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour made certain recommendations which were received in the Ministry of Textiles on 1st March, 2006. This Ministry examined the recommendations and prepared a revised draft Amendment Bill which has been approved and passed by the Rajya Sabha in this Session.
With this, I would like to inform the hon. Member, Shri Acharia that most of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee have been accepted. The Standing Committee on Labour has made a total of seven recommendations which were discussed and most of them are accepted. Also, he wanted to know the need of this Bill. The present Bill intends to bring uniformity and remove hindrances in the path of fast development of sericulture keeping in view the globalisation and liberalisation. We cannot compete with China in silk production unless we change the system radically.
Today, all major States which produce silk have their own Acts which put many restrictions on production and marketing of seed and inter-State movement of the same. Thus, the farmers as well as the reelers are the victims of the present system and they need to be freed to take the benefits of liberalised national and global markets. So, the State restrictions should go away. Some of the State Acts are restrictive and they restrict the inflow of private sector investment, expansion and automation which are essential to meet the challenges of global competition.
The concerns voiced by hon. Members like Shri Ananth Kumar, Shri Rajesh Mishra will be looked into at the time of framing of rules. I would like to tell them that as explained by hon. Member, Shri Shailendra Kumar, sericulture being a subject taken over by the Union under Concurrent List of the Constitution, the Central Government is competent to make its own laws as well as amendments to the already existing laws.
Shri Sugavanam from Tamil Nadu said that there should be quality control of silk sarees. I would like to inform him that we have introduced a silk mark and it has come into effect since two or three months. He also said that Krishnagiri is a place which is doing well in sericulture. There are many other places in Tamil Nadu including my own constituency where there is sericulture cultivation. The assistance given by the Textiles Ministry and the Central Silk Board will also be extended to Krishanigiri.
I would like to tell the hon. Member, Shri Mahapatra from Orissa that Sericulture will be encouraged in Orissa. If State Governments come out with some proposals the Central Government will definitely look into them.
SHRI BIKRAM KESHARI DEO (KALAHANDI): We made a request to include a member from Orissa in the Board. It is not mentioned. … (Interruptions)
SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN: Members will be there from all over the country. … (Interruptions)
SHRI BIKRAM KESHARI DEO : You have not mentioned the name of Orissa. … (Interruptions)
SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN: We cannot give an assurance whether there will be a member from Orissa. But your request will be looked into. … (Interruptions)
SHRI BIKRAM KESHARI DEO : I requested the hon. Minister to insert Orissa in section (4) of clause 3 (g).
SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN: We will look into it.
While Shri Ananth Kumar was talking, he mentioned that automatic reeling units are very costly and that the estimation comes to Rs. 1.5 crore. I would also like to inform him that about Rs. 50 lakh subsidy has already been announced. If proposals are received from such units, that will be looked into.
Shri M. Shivanna, Shrimati Tejaswini See Ramesh and other hon. Members from Karnataka and also Members from other States mentioned that Karnataka is the major producer of silk. In this context, I would like to say that Karnataka is producing 7,000 metric tonnes of silk whereas the all-India production of silk is 17,000 metric tonnes.
I thank Shri Jalappa for supporting this Bill. While framing the rules under this Act, the genuine apprehensions of Members from Karnataka and other States shall be considered with an open mind. The aim of the present Bill is to liberate the farmers and reelers from the restrictive practices. Under the new regime, the Centre would try to make use of State infrastructure, man power and expertise and it would also try to strengthen them.
Actually we are trying to make other States on par with progressive State of Karnataka. There is nothing against Karnataka. We want other States also to follow the progressive practices and the achievement made by Karnataka. In the interest of farmers and reelers the Act must be passed without any amendments.
So, I would request that the Bill be passed.
SHRI R.L. JALAPPA (CHIKBALLAPUR): When I was the Minister of Textiles, I had encouraged multi-end reeling units. I was giving fifty per cent subsidy. What has happened to that? Is it still being persisted with? The Minister has to clarify that.
Secondly, while exporting they will export them as if they are hand woven, but they are actually woven with power looms, using lean texture. They are exporting them as hand loom ones. This has to be checked.
Another thing I wanted to mention is this. In my own place Dhoddabella Port, we have 20,000 power looms which are running on silk. I know something about silk. That is why I wanted to take a few minutes more.
Will the Minister consider kindly clarify whether these multi-end reelers are being supported? We have to encourage them because rendetta will be more in these multi-end reelers.
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA (BANKURA): I asked a question about scientists. There is a shortage of scientists. There are a number of vacancies for them. Scientists are not being recruited because of some restrictions. I want to know whether there will be any relaxation of restrictions. There are 2,500 workers. They were upgraded to temporary status. The order was also issued to that effect. But subsequently it was withdrawn. Will the Government re-consider that by giving them the temporary status?
SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN: Sir, I have noted down the points mentioned by hon. Members, Shri Basu Deb Acharia and by former Minister, Shri R.L. Jalappa. Here, I would like to tell that I have noted down their points. The multi-end scheme is still in operation. As I have already said, as far as these automatic reeling units are concerned, we have sanctioned one unit in Tamil Nadu and a subsidy of Rs. 50 lakh has been announced. But the unit location has got to be finalised.
As far as the suggestion from the hon. Member, Shri Sugavanam, regarding the vehicles for the Silk Board officers is concerned, it is under consideration.
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : What about my point? … (Interruptions)
SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN: I have noted down your point. We are very much aware of the importance of R&D in this particular sector. … (Interruptions)
SHRI BIKRAM KESHARI DEO : What about inclusion of Orissa? Orissa is not there in Section 4. Please include Orissa also. … (Interruptions) I want to move an amendment. … (Interruptions)
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Please sit down. I have given the chance for two times. Your amendment is not there.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI BIKRAM KESHARI DEO : In Section 4 of Bill in clause 3 it is mentioned – one person to be nominated by each of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Orissa. I want the word Orissa to be added. Orissa has got a lot of potential for silk culture and slik growing and also sericulture. A lot of tribal people are involved in this. … (Interruptions)
SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN: It will be given due consideration.
MR.DEPUTY-SPEAKER: The question is:
“That the Bill further to amend the Central Silk Board Act, 1948, as passed by Rajya Sabha, be taken into consideration. ” The motion was adopted.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Now the House will take up clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill.
The question is:
“That clauses 2 to 15 stand part of the Bill. ” The motion was adopted.
Clauses 2 to 15 were added to the Bill.
Clause 1, the Enacting Formula, and the Long Title were added to the Bill.
SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN: Sir, I beg to move:
“That the Bill be passed. ” MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: The question is:
“That the Bill be passed. ” The motion was adopted.
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