Question : SICKNESS OF JUTE INDUSTRIES

(a) whether the Government is aware of sick Jute Industry due to Government policy allowing use of synthetic jute;

(b) whether thousands of employees have lost their jobs due to closure of hundreds of jute mills;

(c) the number of total jute mills in the country, State-wise;

(d) the number of closed and sick jute mills, State-wise;

(e) whether any special package is under consideration to revive closed and sick jute mills;

(f) is so, the details thereof;

(g) if not, the manner in which the Government will support the families of jobless workers of jute mills;

(h) whether the Government has sought assistance under United Nations Development Programme for development of Jute Industry; and

(i) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF TEXTILES ( SHRI SHANKERSINH VAGHELA )

(a) The government has not allowed any use of synthetic jute materials for packaging, causing sickness in the jute industry.

(b) Around 44,000 workers are affected on account of the closure of 14 jute mills for varied periods.

(c) There are 78 jute mills in the country, out of which 61 are in West Bengal, 3 each in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh., 7 in Andhra Pradesh and one each in the States of Assam, Tripura Chhatisgarh & Orissa.

(d) The total number of sick jute mills are 37 and 14 jute mills are lying closed over periods varying from 2 months to 2 years. Out of 37 sick jute mills, 31 are in West Bengal, 2 in U.P. and 1 each in States of Orissa, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh. and Bihar. Out of 14 closed jute mills, 10 are in West Bengal , 2 in Uttar Pradesh and 1each in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

(e), (f) & (g) As per the existing statute, cases of sick units are referred to BIFR, a quasi judicial body to examine the cases of rehabilate of every sick unit. Thereafter, the revival schemes of the units are prepared, examined by the Operating Agency appointed by BIFR which is normally a financial institute. On receipt of the scheme, BIFR decides the cases of rehabilitation of the industrial units.

(h) & (i) No, Sir.