Jute packaging has long been central to India’s sustainability efforts, and the Government of India continues to recognize the significance of the jute industry not only as a vital contributor to rural employment and the economy but also as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic packaging materials. In line with its continued efforts to strengthen this sector and promote sustainable packaging, the Government has enforced the Jute Packaging Material (Compulsory Use in Packaging Commodities) Act, 1987, a legislation aimed at regulating and mandating the use of jute for packaging specific essential commodities. Under this Act, the Government is empowered to specify which commodities must be packed in jute materials and to what extent such mandatory usage should apply. For the 2024–25 season, the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to this mandate by deciding that 100 percent of food grains and 20 percent of sugar must be compulsorily packed in jute bags. This decision not only strengthens demand for jute packaging but also ensures consistent support to millions of workers engaged in jute cultivation, processing and manufacturing, particularly in states like West Bengal, Bihar and Assam where jute production plays a crucial socio-economic role.
To ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the 1987 Act, the Government undertakes a series of regulatory and enforcement measures aimed at monitoring adherence across industries and supply chains. These measures include systematic inspections, routine audits, searches and, where necessary, seizure of goods that violate packaging norms. Ensuring enforcement on the ground is crucial, given that deviations from mandatory jute packaging can adversely impact the jute sector by reducing demand and encouraging alternative packaging materials. To strengthen monitoring capacity, the Government issued a significant order on 16th June 2015, delegating a range of powers to both Central and State authorities. These delegated powers include authority to call for information and samples, to enter and inspect premises, and to search and seize non-compliant products. Empowering multiple levels of administration equips enforcement agencies with the legal tools required to detect violations promptly, impose corrective measures and maintain the integrity of the mandatory packaging framework.
The mandatory jute packaging policy is more than a regulatory directive; it represents a broader national vision aligned with sustainability, rural development and the preservation of traditional industries. Jute, being biodegradable and renewable, serves as an important alternative to plastic-based packaging, supporting India’s environmental commitments. Moreover, the continued demand for jute bags provides livelihood security to lakhs of farmers and mill workers. The jute industry has faced various challenges over the years, including price fluctuations, competition from synthetic substitutes and limited modernization. Policies like the Jute Packaging Material Act help stabilize the market by ensuring a steady and predictable demand for jute goods, enabling mills to operate efficiently and farmers to receive better returns for their produce. The Government’s decision for the 2024–25 season thus reinforces its long-term strategy of protecting both the environment and the workforce dependent on the jute ecosystem.
This information was presented to the Lok Sabha by the Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, in a written reply that highlighted the Government’s ongoing commitment to enforcing the Act and safeguarding the interests of the jute industry. His statement reiterated that the Ministry of Textiles, in coordination with enforcement agencies across various states, continues to take necessary actions to ensure compliance. These initiatives underscore the Government’s aligned efforts to blend regulation with economic support, ultimately ensuring that mandatory jute packaging remains both effective and beneficial. By maintaining strong oversight, reinforcing legal provisions and sustaining demand through the mandatory packaging order, the Government aims to create a stable and resilient future for one of India’s most historic and environmentally significant industries.
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