Constitution of Standing Advisory Committee under JPM Act, 1987

## Report on the Constitution of the Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) for Jute Packaging Materials **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a government order from the Ministry of Textiles, dated January 19, 2022, concerning the constitution of a Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) related to the Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987 (JPM Act, 1987). The core purpose of this order is to establish a committee responsible for recommending packaging norms for jute materials as per the JPM Act, 1987. Key findings reveal the committee's composition, its function, and the duration of its validity. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Ministry of Textiles' order regarding the constitution of the Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) for Jute Packaging Materials. The analysis is based solely on the information provided in the given text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This order pertains to the Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987 (JPM Act, 1987). * **Core Objective:** To constitute a Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) to recommend the norms of packaging in jute materials, as per the JPM Act, 1987. **4. Background and Rationale:** This is a new policy concerning the formation of a committee. The JPM Act, 1987 mandates the compulsory use of jute packaging materials for certain commodities. The creation of the SAC suggests a need for expert advice and recommendations on how to best implement and regulate this mandate, specifically regarding packaging norms. The policy likely addresses a need for standardization and advisory input regarding jute packaging to fulfil the objectives of the JPM Act effectively. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy establishing a committee; therefore, this section details the provisions of the text regarding the SAC. * **Establishment of the SAC:** The Government of India, under Section 4(1) of the JPM Act, 1987, and Rule 3a of the Rules issued under the same act, has decided to constitute the Standing Advisory Committee (SAC). * **Composition of the SAC:** The committee comprises representatives from various government departments, including: * Secretary, Ministry of Textiles (Chairman) * Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution (Member) * Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs (Member) * Secretary, Department of Expenditure (Member) * Secretary, Department of Chemicals and PetroChemicals (Member) * Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (Member) * Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Member) * Secretary, Ministry of Commerce (Member) * ASFA, Ministry of Textiles (Member) * Jute Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles (Member) * Joint Secretary (Jute), Ministry of Textiles (Member Convener) * Note that representatives of Secretaries can be no lower than the rank of Joint Secretary. * **Function of the SAC:** The SAC will recommend the norms of packaging in jute materials, as per the JPM Act, 1987. * **Validity:** The SAC is valid for three years from the date of publication in the Gazette of India (January 24, 2022). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the direct stakeholders include: * The Ministry of Textiles * Other government departments represented in the SAC. * **Affected Industry:** Jute Producers, Businesses packaging commodities covered under the JPM Act, 1987. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Textiles is the primary responsible agency, as evidenced by the order's origin and the presence of the Jute Commissioner and Joint Secretary (Jute) on the committee. * **Timeline:** The SAC is valid for three years from the date of publication (January 24, 2022). * **Procedure:** While the text doesn't specify the exact procedures, it implies that the SAC will convene, deliberate, and formulate recommendations on jute packaging norms, which will then be submitted to the relevant authorities. The JPM Act and rules issued therein shall be followed by the SAC. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcomes of establishing the SAC are likely: * Improved and standardized jute packaging norms. * More effective implementation of the JPM Act, 1987. * Enhanced coordination between different government departments regarding jute packaging. * Support for the jute industry by ensuring the compulsory use of jute packaging materials. **9. Conclusion:** The constitution of the Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) represents a significant step towards the effective implementation and regulation of the Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987. The SAC's recommendations on jute packaging norms are expected to have a positive impact on the jute industry and ensure compliance with the JPM Act, 1987. The order highlights the government's commitment to promoting the use of jute packaging materials.

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