A government resolution under Rule 169 was unanimously passed in the West Bengal Assembly today protesting against the Centre's decision on dilution of use of jute bags, while the House demanded the decision be withdrawn immediately to save the industry.
Moving the resolution in the House, state Parliamentary Affairs minister Partha Chatterjee said the issue was more sensitive in the state as it involved jute farmers of 15 districts, jute mill workers in five districts and 54 jute mills.
Chatterjee demanded the Centre should act immediately in the interest of jute farmers, workers and jute industry by withdrawing its decision on dilution of use of jute bags and allowing 100 per cent use of jute bags in all sectors.
With dilution of use of jute bags by the Centre, its use has come down to 20 per cent from 40 per cent in sugar packaging, while in food grains it has come down to 90 per cent from the earlier 100 per cent and the gaps have been substituted by synthetic bags, he said.
Describing the Centre's decision as a matter of concern, members cutting across party lines, unanimously observed that the emerging situation would badly affect the entire jute industry including the farmers and workers.
Speaking on the resolution, state Labour minister Purnendu Bose said the state government was contemplating a move to bring in a new jute policy.
Extending support to the resolution, CPI(M) member Anisur Rahaman stressed the need to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) in jute.
Supporting the resolution, the lone SUCI member Tarun Naskar demanded a comprehensive policy on jute packaging and procurement in the interest of jute farmers and workers.
Some members feared the use of synthetic bags would increase pollution, while describing jute bags as environment-friendly.
The opposition Congress was absent in the House.
