The
CCEA also extended the ''jute packaging order'', which requires compulsory use of
jute packing for food grains and sugar, for another year till 30 June, 2008. The
order aims at providing sustenance to the people engaged in the jute sector. For
the jute year 2007-08 (July-June), food grains and sugar would have to be cent
per cent packed in jute bags, with some exceptions, Finance Minister P Chidambaram
told reporters after a meeting of the cabinet committee on economic affairs. In
case of disruption in jute supplies, the textile ministry will be empowered to
authorise user agencies to relax these provisions up to a maximum of 20 per cent
for sugar and food grains, he said. Small
consumer packs of 25kg and below, and exports packing in respect of food grains
and `sugar fortified with vitamins` would be exempted from the operation of compulsory
packing, the finance minister said. Packaging
in 100kg or more will be also exempted from the purview of the compulsory packaging,
Chidambaram added.
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