Flight attendants of Air India will now sport Mysore Silk saris. Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Ltd. (KSIC) has bagged a hefty order of 10,000 saris from the public sector airline. This single bulk order is worth Rs. 6.5 crore, according to the KSIC Chairman B. Basavaraju, who expects the product’s popularity to soar sky-high. Speaking to presspersons here on Wednesday, he said Mysore Silk was selected after assessment of its quality in comparison with other brands.
Renowned internationally for its quality and splendour, the Mysore Silk sari has been accorded the GI (Geographical Indication) tag, which is held by the KSIC. Produced at the KSIC factory in Mysuru, the cost of the saris ranges from Rs.12,000 to Rs. 2.5 lakh each. Apart from being exported to various countries, it is patronised by models and film stars, he added. Mr. Basavaraju said the KSIC gets orders even from the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The saris are presented to visiting dignitaries and the company makes elaborate logistic arrangements to despatch saris and shalyas, used by the men folk. He said electronic jacquard machines for the manufacture of saris have further enhanced their quality, and 10 such machines will be installed at a cost of Rs. 60 lakh. Besides, machinery worth Rs.1.35 crore will be imported from China to shore up the quality of yarn and fabric. This will be installed at T. Narsipura. The KSIC will participate at the Vibant Gujarat international summit to be held from January 7 to 13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to visit the stall, he added. The KSIC is also aware that duplicate versions of Mysore Silk saris are being sold in the market, and authorities are cracking down on them.
