Karnataka government rules out closure of KSIC factory, construction of stadium

The State government on Monday (March 9, 2026) informed the Legislative Assembly that the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) Filature Factory at T. Narasipura in the Mysuru district, popularly known as the Mysore Silk Factory, will not be closed and the plan to construct a stadium on its premises has been shelved.

Minister for Sericulture and Animal Husbandry K. Venkatesh informed that plans are being made to boost production to meet the rising demand for the premium silk brand, Mysore Silk. The 114-year-old factory earned a net profit of ₹101.15 crore in 2024–25. It produced 3,10,667 saris during the last three years (2022–23 to 2024–25) and sold 3,09,659 saris, recording more than 99% sales.

Replying to a question from T.S. Srivathsa (BJP), the Minister said the factory earned net profits of ₹46.75 crore, ₹73.40 crore, and ₹101.15 crore in 2022–23, 2023–24, and 2024–25, respectively.

Historic place

The Minister’s clarification came amid a proposal to construct a sports stadium on the factory land. The factory, established in 1912 by Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, supplies raw silk to weaving units and supports the production of the famous Mysore Silk saris. The Minister said some officials provided wrong information and misguided the employees and the public about the closure of the unit.

Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar had earlier met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and submitted a plea seeking protection of the factory.

The Minister admitted that women often stand in queues for more than three hours outside KSIC showrooms to buy saris. Buyers can also place orders through the KSIL online portal, though the range of choices is limited, he said. Mr Srivathsa underlined the need to bridge the demand-supply gap.

Additional production

To meet the growing demand, an additional 7,500 metres of fabric is being produced every month using extra looms at the T. Narasipura unit and Channapatna, the Minister said.

Intervening in the discussion, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok, who visited the factory last week, said some employees were reportedly being paid ₹3,000 per month, which he described as negligible compared to the minimum wages fixed by the government.

Mr. Ashok suggested that the government identify alternative land in the district for constructing the stadium and take steps to protect both the factory land and the GI-tagged Mysore Silk saris, known for their distinctive sheen and texture.

Suresh Gowda (BJP) urged the government to appoint an efficient managing director to the corporation to help meet the rising demand for saris.

Sources told The Hindu that “a powerful Minister” had been attempting to shut down the mother factory to set up a private silk unit near Bengaluru.

‘Victory for workers’

Mr. Ashok, in a post on X, said, “The Congress government has finally been forced to withdraw its bizarre proposal to construct a stadium on the five-acre land of the historic KSIC Filature Factory at T. Narasipura. It is a clear victory for the workers and for all those who stood up to protect KSIC Mysore Silk — a proud symbol of Karnataka’s heritage.”

Around 200 employees of the KSIC mother unit had been staging a protest opposing the proposed acquisition of land for a sports stadium.

Published – March 09, 2026 07:04 pm IST