Date:13/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/13/stories/2006011323580400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Central Silk Board sets up laboratory

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The Central Silk Board has set up a laboratory where you can test the silk you buy in Chickpet area, where most of the "silk houses" are located.

This facility, which has been set up as part of Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI)'s "Silk Mark" festival, will help consumers get the material tested in minutes.

Situated on the premises of Kuberan Silks in Chickpet, the laboratory will provide free service to consumers between 10 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. on all working days.

A simple flame test, a chemical test and a microscopic test are used to ascertain the purity of the fabric.

The flame test will give the results in seconds. If the fabric burns slowly leaving a black residue and smells like burnt hair, it is pure silk. The other tests will be used to check the quality of blended silk, officials said.

Though the Silk Board initially wanted to have the laboratory in Chickpet till the end of the "Silk Mark" festival on January 23, officials said they are planning to continue the facility permanently for the benefit of consumers.

80 outlets with SMOI

T. Sivakumar from the Silk Mark Organisation of India said here on Friday that over 80 silk outlets in Bangalore have enrolled with the Silk Mark Organisation of India for using the mark.

K.M. Namboodiri from the Certification Centre of Central Silk Board said if any dealer uses the mark on silk material that is not pure, the organisation will help the consumer who has bought the material seek redressal from the consumer court.