(a) whether the Government proposes to dilute/modify the jute packaging norms in case of foodgrains and sugar;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with its likely impact on the jute industry;
(c) whether the Indian Jute Mills Association has protested against the Government`s decision; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the follow-up action taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) to (d): As per the Jute Packaging Material (Compulsory use in Packaging Commodity) Act, 1987 (JPM Act),
jute packaging material is compulsorily used in the supply and distribution of certain commodities. Under
the said Act, Government has been specifying the commodities and their percentage thereof for compulsory
packaging in the jute packaging material for each year after considering the recommendations of Standing
Advisory Committee (SAC) constituted under the JPM Act and taking into account the availability of raw jute,
capacity of jute industry, the likely demand of jute packaging material and the interest of the persons
engaged in the jute industry and in the production of raw jute etc. The matter regarding compulsory use
of jute packaging material for the packaging of foodgrains and sugar during the jute year 2013-14 (July-
June) is under consideration of the Government.