Question : Supply of Jute Bags

(a) whether the manufacturers of jute bags meant for packaging of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System (PDS) have siphoned of crores of government revenue with the information of procuring State Government agencies, quality insurance inspectors and middlemen;

(b) if so, whether the Government has also noticed that the jute bag consignments from Haryana and Punjab are being diverted to Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and also do not carry the name and licence number of the manufactures;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has conducted any investigation in the said irregularities;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the details regarding the total amount along with the persons found to be involved and the action taken against them?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) to (f): As per provision under the Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987, certain commodities such as foodgrains are to be packaged in jute sacking as per norms decided from time to time. Accordingly, jute bags are supplied to agencies. The Office of Jute Commissioner along with Quality Assurance Inspectors monitor the quality and supply of jute bags to the Agencies on a regular basis. In course of such monitoring, Office of Jute Commissioner, Kolkata seized one truck load consignment of jute bags at Adilabad, Telangana in course of transport from Haryana to Telangana. This matter has been entrusted to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation and further action will be taken on getting their report.
*****