Handloom weavers have decided to intensify their stir, which began yesterday, demanding abolition of import duty on silk, which was increased from 5 per cent to 15 per cent in the recent budget.

Accordingly, they would go on a fast at nine major handloom centres in five districts of the region, Rajesh, Convenor, Handloom Silk, Yarn Saree Weavers and Traders Association said today.

Similarly, a silent march would be taken out here on March 22 to condemn the increase in the duty, which would financially affect thousands of families, he said.

Stating that weavers in this region import 100 tonnes of raw silk from China each month to make sarees and other products, Rajesh said the increase in duty, would impose an additional burden of Rs 400 per kg, directly affecting their livelihood, as weavers were selling the products without any profit, facing a loss of Rs 150 to Rs 200 per saree.

There was a cumulative production loss of Rs 1.5 crore per day, as an average 40,000 sarees are produced in about 1.65 lakh handloom centres across the districts, he said.

Seeking total abolition of import duty on silk, Rajesh urged Government to take steps to supply silk yarn at subsidised rates, as demand for silk products is decreasing due to higher prices of raw silk.

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