Bengal govt urged to introduce jute policy for sustainability of jute sector

Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA) met the state Labour Minister Malay Ghatak recently and apprised him of the latest problems Beside, requesting him to take some immediate steps, they have urged state government to introduce a Jute Policy along with jute packaging laws for different agro products in the state for sustainability of the jute sector. They also urged to issues order for packing 100 percent potato and rice in jute bags.

There is a compulsory Jute Packaging Act (JPM 1987) by the Centre, but there is gradual dilution in orders. The Union Government in the past pointed out corruption and inability to meet the demand of the government by the jute mills.

IJMA in their memorandum to Ghatak said that the Centre’s recent move to reduce and peg orders at 2.5 lakh bales/month would affect millions of jute cultivators and they would be deprived of proper income.

IJMA has also asked the minister to convene a meeting of group of ministers of the state along with the Jute Commissioner to sort out immediate issues.

An IJMA official said that they tried to convey that there is an urgent need for a Jute Policy and jute packaging laws for different agro products in the state for long term sustainbility as the Centre remains indifferent to the problems of the jute sector.

There is possibility of bumper production of to over 90 lakh bales of raw jute this year.