Union Labour minister Narendra Singh Tomar today invited suggestions and solutions in the areas of policy and implementation in the jute sector with a view to evolve "consensual and amicable" solutions.
Tomar met with the representatives from Textiles, Commerce and Industry and Finance ministries as well as different trade unions during the tripartite meeting aimed at boosting production and consumption of jute and keeping workers interest in mind.
"In line with the government's motto of achieving growth with a human face, the tripartite meeting served as a cauldron of ideas and suggestions, aimed at boosting the production and consumption of the golden fibre in the country, while also keeping in mind the concerns of jute workers, requirements of employers and priorities of the government," a labour ministry press release said.
Tomar invited suggestions and solutions from all participants in the areas of policy, implementation, consumption, production, productivity, labour welfare and exports, it added.
As a major cash crop grown in eastern India, the organised Jute industry supports the livelihood of nearly 40 lakh farm families and provides direct and indirect employment to over 4 lakh workers, it said.
Globally, India is the largest producer and second largest exporter of this eco-friendly product, which finds wide application in the packaging industry.
Of late, demand for jute has been under pressure owing to increasing competition from plastics, and subsidised imports in a globalised environment, the statement said.
