LOK SABHA

The Government has announced a special package to promote the  Jute Industry in the country. This information was  information was given by the Minister of State for Textiles, Shri E.V.K.S. Elangovan, in the Lok Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Shri Navjot Singh Sidhu.

            The Minister further stated that the Ministry of Textiles has launched the Jute Technology Mission (JTM),  w.e.f. 2007-08 for a period of five years to promote the jute industry in the country.  An amount of  Rs 355.55 Crores has been allocated for the implementation of the schemes for the Mini Mission I to IV of  the Jute Technology Mission during Eleventh Plan Period.  The  schemes of the  Mini Mission I & II are being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and the schemes of the Mini Mission-III & IV are being implemented by the Ministry of Textiles. The fund allocation to all four Mini Missions are as given below:

            Ministry of Textiles, through Mini Mission-III and Mini Mission-IV is executing schemes for Development of Marketing Infrastructure in Jute, Schemes for Modernisation of Jute Mills, and Schemes for Promotion of Jute Diversification, the Minister added.

   The Minister further stated that apart from the Jute Technology Mission Schemes, the Government of India provides support to Jute Industry through reservation of packing certain commodities in Jute.  During the year 2007-08, foodgrains and sugar were reserved 100%.  In addition, Jute Manufactures Development Council through collection of Jute Cess, assists the Industry in Export and Marketing of Jute Products and explore avenues for new markets.

RM/AS/100308-PQ2-JuteInd-USQ 1487