Steps taken to revive Karnataka Silk Marketing Board

Bangalore, Aug 11 (UNI) As part of its efforts to revive the Karnataka Silk Marketing Board (KSMB), the state government has introduced a new-Liberalised Samadhan Scheme to enable defaulters clear the over Rs three crore arrears pending with the Board.

Informing this to reporters here today, Sericulture Minister Ramachandragowda said defaulters could make use of this opportunity to clear their dues by utilising the concessions offered under the new scheme to be in force from August 14 to February 13 next.

He said that of the Rs 5.6 crore loan it had extended to people in the silk industry under various categories, the KSMB had to recover Rs 3.32 crore.

The Board, which was set up in 1979 to stabilise the silk prices in the market, had suffered heavy loss over the years. However, the government had now decided to revive it by implementing various new schemes, he added.

The Minister also informed that two sericulture officers from Kolar and Siddlaghatt were suspended for pressurising the government with regard to their transfers.

UNI SIV RG RKN1903