It is well-known that the indiscriminate use of polythene bags is one contributor to the pollution problem in the national capital. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has on multiple occasions, tried to ban use of plastic carry bags in Delhi. However, we find these plastic carry bags continue to be used commonly.Residents of Delhi now have a choice and can themselves restrict use of plastic bags by using eco-friendly, biodegradable and low-cost jute bags. Mother Dairy, National Jute Board (NJB) and Birds Jute & Exports Ltd. (BJEL) have joined hands in this green venture, to provide attractive, low cost jute bags at the thousand-odd booths of Mother Dairy/Safal in Delhi – NCR.The venture is promoted by NJB, bags are manufactured by BJEL and supplied to Mother Dairy for distribution at its booths. The formal launch of the scheme has been done today i.e. 19th April 2016, by the Union Textiles Minister Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar.
Through this scheme, one can purchase one’s daily requirement of perishables from reliable outlets of Mother Dairy and Safal, along with the option of buying environment friendly, attractive, low cost jute bags too. Available in the price range of Rs 25/- to Rs. 35/-, these bags are strong, washable and can be used several times over, making them cost effective. These bags are provided at Mother Dairy and Safal outlets by Birds Jute & Exports Limited (BJEL), a PSU under the administrative control of Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The Textiles Minister had launched Common Facility Centre Scheme of the National Lute Board on 1st September, 2015 at Kolkata, under which 5 CFCs were to be set up. Out of the five CFCs, two CFC’s at Hoogly & 24 Parganas are being run by BJEL under which different Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs)/ micro entrepreneurs manufacture Jute Diversified Products. The Mother Dairy jute bags will provide such WSHGs a regular market and sustained means of livelihood.
Mother Dairy has placed an initial order of 20,000 jute bags - 10,000 units each for Mother Dairy and Safal. Based on the response of residents of Delhi/NCR, repeat orders shall be placed. These bags are being supplied by BJEL on cost to cost basis; any profit earned in future will be passed on to the artisans and members of the WSHGs. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gangwar urged upon the people of Delhi to make a smart choice by opting for the jute carry bags - now available at their nearby Mother Dairy and Safal booths. The Textiles Secretary, Smt. Rashmi Verma and Managing Director, Mother Dairy Fruits and Vegetables Pvt. Ltd., Shri Nagarajan Sivaramakrishnan were also present for the launch event.