HP govt to revive the only and oldest heritage silk mill in the state

Nurpur Silk Mill of Himachal Pradesh has traversed through many ups and downs in the past five decades would be celebrating its golden jubilee this year as the state government has taken up the initiative of reviving the only Silk Mill in the state which is one of the oldest heritage mill situated at Bodh in Nurpur Tehsil of Kangra district.

Himachal Pradesh General Industrial Corporation (HPGIC) has decided to celebrate this year as "silk year" with many more varieties, great offers and innovative plans across state and also in the neighbouring states. Sensing importance of the silk mill, the government, from the last 10 months, has concentrated on manufacturing designer sarees, suits, shawls, stoles, jackets, scarfs and innovative fabric with various design variations apart from traditionally-produced silk sarees and suits.

Nurpur silk mill was set up in 1963 by Punjab government to make it a silk centre of the entire north region. The then deputy commissioner of sericulture was handling its operation. On June 9, 1964, it was ready for commissioning and started functioning with yarn manufacturing and the central controlling body to manage silk business.

In November 1969, it came under the control of Himachal Pradesh mineral and Industrial Development Corporation (HPMIDC). After the formation of Himachal Pradesh, carpet manufacturing unit was merged with it. In 1976, it started manufacturing silk fabric and initially, 40 grams chinnon and chiffon produced by it had become popular in north India.

In 1988, HPGIC took charge of this industry and efforts were made to revive it along-with exploring marketing avenues.

The state government plan to revival the silk unit with a commitment to make it a profit earning unit and step up measures for boosting economy by imparting training.

At present, the mill produced only silk fabrics for women. But, the government is planning to introduce clothing range for men including kurta pyjamas, shirting material and shawls.