The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today approved the Jute Technology Mission (JTM) at a cost of Rs.355.55 crore.
It also approved allocations for Mini Mission -I and Mini Mission-II under the JTM for the remaining year of X Plan i.e. 2006-07 at Rs.2.46 crore and 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.
The allocations for Mini Mission-III and Mini Mission-IV for the remaining year of the X 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.
The Jute Technology Mission will benefit jute growers, the workers engaged in the jute industry, jute entrepreneurs and others employed in associated activities in the jute sector. It will help modernize the jute industry and enable the country to reap the benefits of enhanced levels of jute diversification.
BACKGROUND:
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 4.0 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.
It was in this context that the CCEA approved the National Jute Policy in its meeting of March 29, 2005. The Jute Technology Mission is a major component of the National Jute Policy and is the vehicle for implementing many of the programmes in the jute sector, both present and future.
Press Information Bureau Government of India
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