Approves Jute Technology Mission

New Delhi, June 2 (UNI) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) at its meeting held here today has approved the Jute Technology Mission (JTM) at a cost of Rs 355.55 crore.

Briefing newspersons Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi said it also approved allocation for Mini Mission I and Mini Mission II under the JTM for the remaining year of the tenth Plan during 2006-07 at Rs 2.46 crore and Rs 9.75 crore subject to the condition that the Ministry of Agriculture and Department of Expenditure will find savings from the existing allocation of Ministry of Agriculture.

He said the allocation for Mini Mission II and Mini Mission IV for the remaining year of the tenth plan at Rs 7.95 crore and Rs 30.85 crore respectively have been approved, which will be funded from the Plan savings of Ministry of Textiles.

Mr Dasmunshi said the JTM will benefit jute growers, the workers and engaged in the jute industry, jute entreprenuers and others employed in associated activities in the jute sector. It will help modernise the jute industry and enable the country to reap the benefits of enhanced levels of jute diversification.

He said the jute sector occupies an important place in the economy of the country in general and the eastern region in particular. The jute industry provides direct employment to about 0.26 million workers and supports the livelihood of around 4 million farm families.

Around 0.14 million people are engaged in the tertiary sector and allied activities, supporting the jute economy. These apart, the jute industry also contributes to exports to the tune of nearly Rs 1000 crore. The Government has included the jute sector for special attention in its National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP).

It was in this context that the CCEA approved the National Jute Policy (NJP) in its meeting of March, 29, last year. The JTM is a major component of the NJP and is the vehicle for implementating many of the programmes in the jute sector, both present and future.

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