On 20th September 2024, Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Ministry of Textile(MoT), unveiled the Commemoratory coin of the denomination Rs 75 during an event organised to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee(75th Anniversary) of the Central Silk Board (CSB) in Mysuru, Karnataka.
- The Union Minister also launched a Coffee Table Book titled ‘CSB in the Service of the Nation Since 1949’ and a postal cover featuring the CSB 75 Years Logo.
Note: CSB, a statutory body under the MoT, was established in 1948 to promote the silk industry in India.
Key People: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Ministry of Heavy Industries; Minister of State(MoS) Pabitra Margherita, MoT; Rachna Shah, Secretary of the MoT along with members of CBS were present during the event.
Histroy of Central Silk Board:
i.CBS was established following the recommendations of the Silk Panel by the Imperial government on 8th March 1945 to examine the development of the silk industry.
ii.The Government of Independent India enacted the CSB Act 1948 on 20th September 1948.
iii.The CSB was established under an Act of Parliament (LXI) of 1948 on 9th April 1949.
Features of the Commemorative coin:
i.The coin made of Quaternary alloy (50% silver, 40% Copper, 5% Nickel and 5% Zinc) weighs 35 grams and has a diameter of 44 millimetres (mm).
ii.The obverse of the coin features the lion capitol of the Ashoka pillar with “सत्यमेव जयते” inscribed below.
iii.The Reverse features the logo of the 75th foundation year of CBS with the inscription of “Central Silk Board” in both Devanagari and English along with “1949-2024”.
Highlights:
i.During the event the ministry introduced the new mulberry varieties and silkworm hybrids, including CBC-01 (C-2038) for Eastern and Northeastern India, CMB-01 (S8 x CSR16) and CMB-02 (TT21 x TT56), to enhance silk production.
- This will promote silk production, especially in Eastern and Northeastern India and diversify production areas and reduce regional dependency.
ii.Four new technologies, namely Nirmool, Seri-win, Mr. Pro, and a trapping machine were unveiled during the event.
- Nirmool and Seri-win will address challenges like pest management, promote sustainable practices, and increase productivity.
iii.During the event, the CBS exchanged Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute(ICAR-CIFRI) in Barrackpore, West Bengal(WB); Jain University in Bengaluru, and Assam Agricultural University (AAU) in Jorhat(Assam) to strengthen cooperative efforts in sericulture research and training.
- This will enhance infrastructure, market access, and resource availability for sericulture farmers and create a supportive ecosystem to ensure their growth and strengthen India’s position in the global silk market.
Other Noted Releases & Launches:
i.The event witnessed the launch of a documentary video showcasing the history of CBS.
ii.13 books, 3 manuals, and 1 Hindi magazine dedicated to sericulture were also launched.
iii.The official website of Silk Mark Organization of India (SMOI) was also launched during the event.
Points to note:
i.Currently, India is ranked as the 2nd-largest silk producer in the world.
- India’s share of global production increased from 6% in 1949 to 42% in 2023.
ii.India’s raw silk production increased from 1,242 metric tonnes in 1949 to 38,913 metric tonnes in 2023-24.
MoT Introduces Quality Control Order for Medical Textiles
The Ministry of Textiles(MoT) has notified the Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023 which is set to take effect on 1st October 2024. This will established strict quality standards for critical medical textile products, such as sanitary napkins, baby diapers, reusable sanitary pads, and dental bibs.
- This aims to ensure that these products adhere to the highest safety standards, safeguarding both children and adults.
Significance:
i.Quality Control Order (QCO) aims to ensure that the Medical Textiles meet essential quality benchmarks.
ii.The non-compliance to these standards will lead to fines and other penalties.
iii.The government has exempted small-scale enterprises, like Self-Help Groups (SHGs), from the requirements of this QCO.
Key Points:
i.The specifications, IS 5404:2019 for sanitary napkins and IS 17509:2021 for disposable baby diapers, cover critical performance criteria like pH (potential of hydrogen) levels, hygiene testing, bacterial and fungal bioburden, biocompatibility evaluations, and biodegradability.
ii.The QCO requires a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) license for manufacturing, importing, distributing, selling, hiring, leasing, storing, or displaying products for sale.
Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh Inaugurates Eri Sericulture Promotional Project in Gujarat
On 10th August 2024, Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh launched Eri sericulture promotional project at Sardarkrushinagar, Palanpur in Gujarat to encourage castor-growing farmers in Banaskantha, Mehsana, Patan, and Sabarkantha districts in Gujarat.
i.Under this project, a village-level training program engaged 817 farmers, while four late-age rearing houses and an Eri Chawki Rearing Centre (CRC) were established to support rearing operations.
ii.Four Sericulture Resource Centers (SRCs) were also established to provide hands-on training to farmers.
iii.The project aims to evaluate, optimize, and popularise Eri culture technologies of Central Muga Eri Research & Training Institute (CMER&TI), Research Institute of CSB, and practices in collaboration with the Kalyan Foundation.
Points to note:
i.The project focuses on 100 selected farmers and aims to enhance farmers’ incomes.
ii.Based on the response for the current project, a subsequent phase /project with an additional 500 farmers will be introduced to Eri culture in Gujarat, expanding the initiative.
About Central Silk Board (CSB):
The CSB works under the administrative control of Ministry of Textiles(MoT).
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Member Secretary– P. Sivakumar, IFS
Headquarters– Benagluru, Karnataka
Established– 1948
