National Jute Board Bill in Winter Session

New Delhi, Nov 2 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today approved pursuing in the Winter Session of Parliament the National Jute Board Bill, 2006, seeking expansion of the functions and membership of the Jute Board and the definition of jute.

The decision was taken on the basis of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

The Cabinet also approved moving official amendments to the Bill at the time of consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha, he said.

The establishment of a National Jute Board is envisaged in the Government's National Jute Policy, 2005 The jute industry provides sustenance to more than 4 million people, including jute farmers, workmen, labourers and self-employed artisans and weavers, especially in the Eastern and North-eastern parts of the country, where it is the main stay of agro-based industries.

Jute and allied fibres occupy a unique position as eco-friendly, bio-degradable renewable natural fibres with substantial value addition at each stage of processing.

UNI