THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Serifed’s mega project for silk merchandise manufacturing sees light again after being suppressed by the IAS lobby in the secretariat for more than three years after getting approval from the centre. The centre has granted approval for the new proposed plan. This project was blocked by the then secretary Paul Antony by halting state funds, in a project where 86 percent of the funds are spent by the central government. High Court’s strong interference in a case charged against this, helped in reviving the project. The High Court ordered to take actions for contempt of court against Paul Antony and also to release state funds of Rs. 3.41 crores before March 31 thereby starting the project before the end of this fiscal year. The High Court had issued an order earlier against blocking the state funds. This is now being considered as contempt of court.

The project
Serifed’s mega-project aims to make Kerala a paradise of silk by increasing the production of silkworms and by manufacturing excellent quality silk. This project was created by TIPCO, a textile technical agency in Thiruvananthapuram.

The project that was presented by Serifed Vice-Chairman S. Mohanan was approved by central textiles ministry. The project aims to manufacture silk merchandise worth Rs 4000 annually. Rs 1500 worth of silk garments will be exported and the rest will be made available in the local market. This will take thirteen years for completion with funding from both the central and state governments.

There are allegations that the influence of fake silk importers has delayed the project even after getting approval three years back.