Silk sector to urge for price reduction & import tax abolishment
13 Mar '06
2 min read
Representatives of silk manufacturers and weavers' unions have decided to go to New Delhi today to submit petitions to Union Ministers seeking reduction in prices of raw silk and zari, besides cancellation of 33 percent import tax on raw silk.
Tamil Nadu Handloom Weavers Union State General Secretary E Muthukumar said that prices of raw silk and zari had gone up by more than 30 percent.
Muthukumar suggested that price of Kancheepuram silk be determined separately and opposed manufacturing traditional Kancheepuram, Arani and Kumbakonam sarees using powerlooms.
Nine member delegation including President of Kancheepuram Silk Manufacturers Association V Singara Mudaliar and representatives of silk manufacturers and weavers' unions would meet Union Ministers for Textiles, Commerce and Finance to explain problems faced by the silk industry due to increase in prices of raw silk and zari, he added.
Silk manufacturers have asked State and Central Governments to take necessary steps to save the industry as thousands of workers depend on it.
Silk manufacturers and weavers have held several agitations and silk traders have been conducting demonstrations, strikes and rallies demanding reduction in prices of raw silk and zari.
Stoppage of production leading to unemployment of weavers may follow if the crisis is not immediately settled, said silk manufacturers.
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