Jute Packaging Material (JPM) Act

Why in news?

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, has approved reservation norms for mandatory use of jute in packaging for the year 2021 -22 under Jute Packaging Material (JPM) Act, 1987.

About Jute Packaging Material (JPM) Act:

• The mandatory packaging norms under the Act provide for 100% reservation of the foodgrains and 20% of sugar to be compulsorily packed in jute bags.

How it is significant?

• 75% of the total production of the Jute Industry is Jute Sacking Bags of which 90% is supplied to the Food Corporation of India (FCl) and State Procurement Agencies (SPAs) and remaining is exported/sold directly.
• The reservations norms under JPM Act provide for direct employment to 0.37 million workers and 4 million farmers in the Jute Sector. JPM Act, 1987 protects interest of Jute farmers, workers and persons engaged in jute goods’ production
• Besides, it will help protect environment because jute is natural, bio- degradable, renewable and reusable fibre and hence fulfills all sustainability parameters.
• Government of India purchases Jute sacking bags worth approximately Rs. 8,000 crore every year for packing of foodgrains, hence ensures guaranteed market for the produce of Jute Farmers and Workers.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements:

1. The reservations norms under Jute Packaging Material (JPM) Act provide for 100% reservation of the foodgrains and 20% of sugar to be compulsorily packed in jute bags

2. Jute sacking bags consumed major share of the total raw jute production over the last few years.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer