TUs warn Govt against 'death knell' of jute indsutry

New Delhi, Apr 13 (UNI) Anguished over the Govenment's decision to phase out Jute Packaging Materials Act (JPMA) under national policy on petrochemicals, major central trade unions (TUs) today cautioned the UPA government against what they called 'death knell' of the jute indsutry, having employed over 40 lakh jute growers and workers.

The CITU and AITUC regretted that the government under the pressure of synthetic lobby is pleading the case of plastic and other synthetic fibre ignoring the India's advanatage with its vast jute production and simultanious value addition through jute products in various jute mills.

CITU presdident M K Pandhe and AITUC National Secretary D L Sachdev said it was petty that the nation was being called upon to incur a huge environment cost by phasing out JPMA only to satisfy the whims and greed of strong synthetic lobby.

The government should rather come forward to strengthen JPMA, allocate fund for technological upgradation and R and D in his sector for diversification and value addition in jute products, they said.

Mr Sachdev said the jute which is generally used for packaging of foodgrains, sugar and other eatables not only suit hygienic norms but kept the employment of jute growers and workers intact as well.

The TUs expressed their firm resolve to fight against the decision tooth and nail and asked thier units across the country to mobilise public opinion against the decision.

UNI