The jute sector is on its way to losing its exalted status under “Compulsory Use for Packing of Commodities” Act, 1987 (JPMA). A government committee has recommended 25 percent dilution of jute reservation norms under JPMA.
A high power standing committee at the Union Secretary level has recommended 25 percent dilution of jute reservation norms under the 1987, and which has also been seconded by the Ministry of Textiles.
The Indian jute industry has appealed to the government that employment of nearly 4.5 million farmers and industrial workers will be put at stake if the act is diluted and the very basis of the act will also be destroyed.
Under the act, sugar and food grains need to be compulsorily packed in jute bags. Apart from providing employment to millions of people it is also environmentally friendly rather than the other packaging material; plastic.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India