The government aims to make India self-reliant in silk in the next two years, said Smriti Irani, Minister of Textiles and Women & Child Development at the inaugural session of the Karnataka Vastra Tek - Apparel & Textile Conclave. The conclave was organized by the Department of Handloom and Textiles, Government of Karnataka in association with FICCI Karnataka State Council

Irani said, Indian government dedicated Rs 2,000 crore for the development of silk under the Silk Samagra Program. She hoped the industry gives Karnataka ideas, proposals or initiatives to make India Aatmanirbhar in silk. Highlighting the importance of the handicrafts sector, Irani said the government distributed 'Pehchaan Cards' or identity cards to over 26,000 artisans in the state.

She also proposed a digital opportunity on lines of GoM portal for the marketing of artisans and weavers of Karnataka.