The recent decision of the government to lease out to the private sector, five of the eight jute mills that were earlier closed down is a welcome decision. Hopefully, the re-opening of the mills under private management would pave the way for their sustainable operation, involving no direct or indirect subsidy from the public fund.
Some of the jute mills that have been leased out were in a moribund state. Such mills once contributed largely to the national economy in the years over the past three and a half decades or more. These mills, following their so-called nationalisation, were nationalised and became national liability.
When one after another jute mill in our country had to be closed down while many new jute mills were opened during the same period in the Indian state of West Bengal. There are markets for jute and jute items in the market, but we have failed to tap the potential of the same.
The private entrepreneurs have taken up a great challenge by undertaking to turn some of the loss-making concerns into profitable ones. We consider that the government's decision to lease out the mills to the private entrepreneurs is a right step as many private jute mills in the country, particularly the new ones, are reportedly doing well. Given appropriate policy-supports, the 'derelict' jute mills can once again be revived, under dynamic private management.
We would, thus, hope for an early revival of our overall jute sector. Given the demand for goods made of natural fibre that are biodegradable, there is no reason why we cannot make our jute sector profitable. The opportunity for jute products is unlimited. We have to make every efforts seize it.
Kashem Humayan
Dhanmandi R/A, Dhaka
Leasing out of jute mills
FE Team | Published: August 06, 2008 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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