Sericulture fed sold silk worth Rs 13 cr,officials showed it nil

PCSF,established in 1992 with an objective of effective marketing of silk thread,was shown as sitting idle with nil turnover during the month of October. Sources claimed that poor health of the PCSF allegedly serves the purpose of officials as it gives them leverage in appointing private silk promoters for doing their job in lieu of commission.

“Once,PCSF is regarded as sick,private silk promoters are appointed by the government. It was a practice during previous BSP regime. Now,ground is being prepared for the same,” an official said.

The issue came to notice during the departmental review meeting headed by minister for sericulture and textiles,Shiv Kumar Beria,on December 10. During the meeting,the minister was informed that there was no sale of silk thread by PCSF during October and no figure for the month of November was presented.

As per the official figures at PCSF,nearly 2,865 weavers produced 14,968 kg silk thread on 3,747 handlooms. It fetched a price of Rs 5.55 crore in October. In November,the sales figure increased to Rs 7.66 crore with production of 19,624 kg silk thread. The number of weavers too rose to 3,877 with 4,906 handlooms.

Sources at PCSF claimed that the silk thread worth Rs 13 crore was marketed during October and November and the amount was deposited with the department. Pathak,in his letter,admitted about this factual position.

When inquired,Beria admitted that he was surprised at nil figures for October. “I have sought a report from the officials. It is surprising that such (false) reporting is done before a minister. During next month’s review meeting,it will be discussed,” Beria said.

The minister,however,claimed that he is not concerned about Pathak’s reservation over the issue. “The figures came before me and I will look into it. What Pathak wrote in his letter is none of my concern,” he added.