10/09/2026
An important high-level meeting on the present situation and future of West Bengal’s jute industry was convened by the Labour Department, Government of West Bengal, at the New Secretariat Building, Kolkata, under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Shri Arjun Singh
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Jute Commissioner’s Office (JCO), Jute Corporation of India (JCI), Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA), non-IJMA jute mills, senior officials of the Labour Department, and representatives of 23 Central and State-level trade unions associated with the jute industry.
Following detailed deliberations, it was decided that, in accordance with the applicable laws and prevailing practices, all jute mills shall ensure payment of bonus to eligible workers by the end of September 2026, so that workers receive their due bonus ahead of Durga Puja.
The Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge appealed to all trade unions and stakeholders to extend their cooperation in ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted functioning of jute mills. It was further assured that issues concerning workers’ bonus, future bonus arrangements, a new industry-wide agreement, and other long-pending matters would be taken up for detailed discussion after the Puja holidays.
The State Government is also working in close coordination with the JCO and JCI towards finding sustainable solutions to the challenges confronting the jute sector. In a significant step towards stronger Centre-State coordination, the Government of India and the Ministry of Textiles have agreed to associate an officer of the Labour Department, Government of West Bengal, with jute-related activities involving the JCO, JCI, National Jute Board (NJB), and other Central agencies. This will facilitate more effective representation of the State Government’s views and suggestions in matters concerning the jute industry.
The Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge will also lead a delegation to place before the Union Ministry of Textiles the concerns and interests of all stakeholders, including jute farmers, workers, mill management and the business community. An initiative will also be undertaken to constitute a small working group comprising key stakeholders for sustained dialogue and coordinated action in the larger interest of the industry.
The Labour Department remains committed to ensuring the sustainable growth of West Bengal’s jute industry, safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers, protecting the interests of farmers and other stakeholders, and facilitating the operation of jute mills at their optimum capacity.
The Government of West Bengal will continue its coordinated efforts towards building a stronger, stable and sustainable future for the State’s jute industry.