Politics

The Jute Industry didn't fail—policy did

Jute industry, Arjun Singh: West Bengal's jute industry is not collapsing because of raw jute shortages but because of policy failures, weak regulation, and poor labour protection. Temporary supply disruptions have become a convenient excuse for mill closures, wage denial, and casualisation. Sustainable revival requires accountable governance, strict enforcement of labour laws, and workers' rights.

Gargi Chatterjee
12 min read
The Jute Industry didn't fail—policy did

The jute industry has long been one of the pillars of West Bengal's economy and remains one of the largest labour-intensive industries in India. It provides direct employment to nearly three lakh mill workers and supports the livelihood of several million people, including farmers, transport workers, traders, and their families. Despite its immense economic and social importance, the industry is once again facing a serious crisis. However, this is not an inevitable or natural crisis; it is large...

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Gargi Chatterjee
Gargi Chatterjee
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