Title: Need to protect the interests of Jute growers and Jute industry. – Laid.
(ARAMBAGH) : Millions of jute growers and workers of jute industry would be adversely affected due to Ministry of Textiles Notification bearing No. SO 506(E) dated 16th April, 2004, drastically reducing the reservation percentage for compulsory use of jute bags for packing foodgrains from 100% to 60% and for sugar from 90% to 50% under Jute Packaging Materials Act. The JPM Act, 1987 was promulgated on the 9th May, 1987 to provide for compulsory use of jute packaging material in supply and distribution of certain commodities. The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India by its judgement dated 25th April, 1996 has upheld the legality and the validity of the JPM Act, 1987.
I, therefore, urge upon the new Central Government : To withdraw Ministry of Textiles Notification No. S.O. 506(E) dated the 16th April, 2004 forthwith. To ensure that jute continues under the Essential Commodities Act and the Jute and Jute Textiles Control Order, 2000 continues with power of Jute Commissioner to regulate production and supply of jute goods. The buying of raw jute at Minimum Support Price by the Jute Corporation of India continues and so does the supply of the same by the J.C.I. under the B.Twill linked formula. A ‘National Policy on Jute’ be formulated for future growth of the jute sector.