The Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) has proposed to launch Mysore Silk saris at a price of ₹4,500 to make them affordable and available even for the poor.
The ‘budget’ silk saris are expected to be launched during Varamahalakshmi festival in August, and the weaving of the same is said to have commenced at the century-old silk-weaving factory in Mysuru.
Assurances of producing ‘budget’ silk saris had been given by the chairmen of KSIC on many occasions in the past but the saris never hit KSIC outlets, disappointing enthusiasts.
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“This time, it will be happen. Being a Mysurean, I’m assuring this. saris at an attractive price tag of ₹4,500 will certainly hit the KSIC outlets across the State for Sri Varamahalakshmi festival,” promised S.R. Mahesh, Minister for Sericulture and Tourism.
Mr. Mahesh, who had a round of talks with the KSIC officials and also visited the century-old silk factory here recently, said the production of such saris had already begun. “The heritage silk saris are currently priced between ₹15,000 to ₹3 lakh. Our idea is to make these saris available to those who cannot afford to buy them paying the existing price,” he said in Mysuru on Friday.
Mysore Silk outlets will be opened at Badami, a heritage site in North Karnataka; Krishnaraja Sagar dam in Mandya, and Lalith Mahal, which was recently taken over by the State government, in Mysuru.
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“There are plans to open KSIC franchise outlets abroad to cater to NRIs and discussions in this regard are on. I have also told the Tourism Department officials to promote the saris during the road shows abroad,” he said.
KSIC does not have an export division but it caters to the international market through the Mysore Sales International Ltd. (MSIL).
On the fake silk saris being sold by private sari outlets deceiving tourists, Mr. Mahesh said many such complaints had come to his notice and he has asked the KSIC to crack down on outlets selling the fake saris.
The Minister clarified that authentic Mysore Silk saris are only sold at the KSIC outlets and nowhere else. Tourists are being taken for a ride.
The erring traders will be booked, he warned.