Silk Mark Expo-2014 begins at Kisan Bhawan

Chandigarh, January 24, 2014: The 17th Silk Mark Expo began at Kisan Bhawan here today. Around 54 exhibitors from 12 states are participating in this Expo which will continue till 29 January. Eminent painter and environmentalist Neenu Vij inaugurated the silk exhibition cum sale, while Dr Shivani Sharma, chairperson, Department of Philosophy, Panjab University, was the guest of honour. The expo will be open daily between 11 AM to 8 PM.

A free Silk Testing Counter, set up by the students of University Institute of Fashion Technology & Vocational Courses (PU), is another attraction of the expo, where consumers can get their silk stuff tested for purity. Ms Anu Gupta, Coordinator, is the incharge of this counter.

According to K S Menon, CEO, Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI), , “In order to enhance the credibility of Silk Mark, a series of Silk Mark Expos are being organised in the country. Silk Mark Expos have proved a powerful tool for the generic promotion of pure silk. In India more than 90% of the domestic raw silk is used for production of silk sarees. The Indian silk weaving clusters are famous for its intricate designs, zari, drape, texture, etc. The Kancheepuram wedding sarees, Banarasi brocades and Tanchui sarees, the ornamental Balucheri sarees of West Bengal, the Ikkat and tie & dye sarees  of Pochampally and Orissa, the Crepes, Chiffons and Georgettes of Bangalore and Mysore  and Chinons of Kashmir are some of the famous varieties produced in India.”

Addressing the press conference, Vivek Kumar, Assistant Director (Inspection), SMOI, said, “The silk in India has been facing unfair competition from man-made substitutes like viscose, polyester yarn, nylon, etc. which is passed on to the unsuspecting consumers as pure natural silk, depriving them and the stakeholders like farmers, reelers, etc., the real value. The unscrupulous manufacturers and traders not only sell the synthetic fabrics as silk, but also many a time mix them with silk, while manufacturing to cut the cost of production and the same is passed on as pure silk to consumers who are mainly women. Such unfair practice has also been affecting the Indian sericulture farmers, rearers, reelers, grainers and other stake holders.”

Realising the seriousness of the issue, the government decided to bring the ‘Silk Mark Scheme’ to help the consumers in identifying genuine pure natural silk products easily. The SMOI has been functioning for the past 9 years and has over 2300 authorised users of the Silk Mark labels. More than 1.75 crore labels have been distributed to these users. The labels are not only a mark of purity but also inspire confidence in the buyers. It also helps various stakeholders of silk industry since the Silk Mark promotes the sale of only pure silk products.

Dr R D Singh, Joint Secretary, Central Silk Board, said, “The main objective of the Silk Mark Scheme was to create awareness among the consumers about the purity of silk products and instill confidence in them on the products sold with ‘Silk Mark Label’. The scheme envisages protection of the consumers’ interest so as to ensure that one is able to buy genuine silk products. //Chandigarh news online,  Chandigarh news in English, Chandigarh news,  Chandigarh current news,  Chandigarh news live, Chandigarh breaking news, Chandigarh headlines, Chandigarh latest news, world news,

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