Bengaluru, March 9, 2026
The Karnataka government has categorically ruled out the closure of the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) Filature Factory at T. Narasipura and has officially withdrawn its earlier proposal to construct a sports stadium on the factory premises. The announcement was made in the Legislative Assembly by Sericulture and Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh, bringing clarity after weeks of speculation and unrest.
Government Clarifies: No Closure, No Stadium
Minister Venkatesh told the Assembly that the 114-year-old factory—established in 1912 by Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar—will continue operations without disruption. He emphasized that the government intends to increase production capacity, not reduce it, given the surging demand for Mysore Silk sarees.
The Minister also confirmed that the plan to build a stadium on approximately five acres of KSIC land has been scrapped after it became clear that officials had provided misleading information regarding land suitability.
Protests and Public Pressure Influenced the Decision
The reversal follows a fortnight-long strike by KSIC employees, supported by environmental groups, heritage activists, and Opposition leaders. Workers argued that the stadium project would threaten the factory’s operations, disrupt water supply lines, and obstruct future expansion plans. A technical report by the KSIC Managing Director had also warned that the land was essential for installing an Effluent Treatment Plant and scaling up production.
Opposition Leader R. Ashoka accused the government of risking the legacy of Mysore Silk, which holds a prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. He hailed the withdrawal as a “victory for workers and heritage protection.”
A Heritage Industry With Soaring Demand
KSIC’s performance data underscores its importance:
- Net profits: ₹46.75 crore (2022–23), ₹73.40 crore (2023–24), and ₹101.15 crore (2024–25).
- Sarees produced (2022–25): 3,10,667
- Sarees sold: 3,09,659 (over 99% sales efficiency)
Demand remains so high that women reportedly queue for hours outside KSIC showrooms, and the government is considering limiting online sales to prioritize local buyers. Production is being ramped up with additional looms to meet the daily demand of 300–400 sarees.
Royal Family and Local Leaders Welcomed the Assurance
Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysore royal family expressed relief after receiving assurances from district authorities that the factory would remain untouched. She noted that the decision aligns with public sentiment and the cultural significance of Mysore Silk.
What Comes Next
The government has committed to:
- Preserving the KSIC Filature Factory as a heritage industrial asset
- Modernising production units in T. Narasipura, Mysuru, and Channapatna
- Exploring measures to bridge the demand–supply gap
- Ensuring no future encroachment on KSIC land without a thorough technical evaluation
With the stadium plan officially abandoned, KSIC employees have resumed work, though supporting organisations continue to monitor the government’s follow-through on its assurances.