Jute industry cries foul over plastic bag

KOLKATA: The jute industry is upset by the report that the DGS&D has again invited two fresh tenders for procurement of 100 lakh woven HDPE/PP bags, or totalling 38,636 bales each bale containing 500 pcs for packing foodgrain.

The official procuring agent has been asked by the authorities to place orders immediately at the existing rates. It is likely to be open to all manufacturers irrespective of their registration. It is also decided that the tendered quantity is to be put up on DGS&D website.

Unnerved at the report, deputy chairman of Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA) RK Poddar has urged Union textile secretary AK Singh to intervene in the matter as the secretary (food), department of food and public distribution (PDS) agreed to place orders on jute industry for supply earlier in a similar tender after end of strike.

Food secretary actually placed orders on jute industry for supply of 95,000 (50,000+45,000) bales of B Twill jute bags of 50 kg capacity for procurement of foodgrain in cancellation of the indents already placed on DGS&D for procurement of HDPE/PP bags.