In an attempt to boost jute exports, the government has, for the first time, provided duty entitlement passbook (DEPB) scheme facilities for jute products.
The textiles ministry had earlier requested the commerce ministry to consider granting DEPB facilities for jute products, said textiles minister Kanshiram Rana.
He said the jute industry would now be able to compete more vigourously in the export market and increase exports of jute products. The decision is in line with providing a comprehensive development package for the jute sector, an official release said.
In case of jute soil saver and jute yarn/jute twine, the DEPB rate is 2 per cent and the government has not fixed a value cap for the entitlement. In case of hessian cloth and hessian made-up, the rate is 6 per cent and the value cap for entitlement is Rs 40 per kg and Rs 55 per kg, respectively.
Sacking cloth and sacking made-up also have a DEPB rate of 6. The value cap is Rs 30 per kg in case of sacking cloth and Rs 40 a kg in case of sacking made-up.
Meanwhile, the Indian Jute Mills Association has urged the government to reconsider the decision regarding the progressive dilution of the mandatory jute packaging order. The association has submitted a memorandum to the Jute Advisory Board to press for its demand.
Emphasising the need for immediate reconsideration of the government
