Jute Service Centre Scheme aims at setting up local agencies at distant locations around the country through collaboration with bona fide bodies to carry out various activities, with and on behalf of NCJD, for promotion of Jute and its diverse application in various fields. These agencies also act as a facilitator for rendering the backward and forward linkages to existing and potential entrepreneurs.

The scheme has been successfully operating for the about last five years. During the course of the 9th Plan Period NCJD has

The second half of the first year of the 10^th plan period witnessed extensive activity in different parts of the country and as a result 15 JSCs could be started. Several non-jute growing areas like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat will now be covered and serviced under this scheme. This year NCJD plans to set up such activities in Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. Collaborative arrangements with suitable agencies preferably government is underway. NCJD also plans to undertake inter regional skill and product transfer operation in order to bring about new and innovative range of JDP.

Through this scheme the Centre has been able to promote the eco-friendly nature of jute and reach several rural and remote locations around the country while maintaining a lean & thin workforce of its own.

I mplementation Steps:

1. An action plan for each year is prepared by NCJD and the respective JSC in association with the state government.
2. Taking into account the local skill and availability of raw material, JDP which can be effectively produced in the Cluster is decided,
3. Action Plan is prepared incorporating the intervention required for development of the several Clusters,
4. The training programs are implemented in association with DRDA / DIC and monitored through State-level bodies.

Additionally, from 2002-2003 through the tenth plan period NCJD proposes to set-up Jute Service Extension Centres (JSExCs). These extension centres will act in association with and under the supervision of an existing JSCs. Extension centres will enable the much-needed penetration into newer and remote areas of the respective regions of the JSCs. A work plan that comprises of various activities and programs is prepared in consultation with the local authorities and state level organisations for implemented respectively by the JSCs and the JSExCs. They are considered by the Executive Committee of the Centre and are reported to the Council before implementation. During the current year NCJD proposes to open five extension centres viz Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Goa.

The work plan comprises of

* program implemented by JSCs / NCJD with direct control of NCJD offices.

With an idea to develop the existing nucleus of JDP activity by providing further required inputs, the Centre has started the concept of Cluster Development under the Jute Service Centres. It is estimated that 15-20 groups / units will be developed in each cluster engaging approximately 150 persons in jute diversified work. In the financial year 2001-2002, 38 such clusters were selected from all over the country engaging around 50 beneficiaries in each Cluster. Fresh employment to these beneficiaries is generating and earning of Rs 700 - Rs 750 per month. Within a span of 2-3 years, the number of such beneficiaries is expected to reach between 150 - 200 and the yearly turnover will be approximately Rs 45.00 lacs in each Cluster. By the end of the 10th Five Year Plan the total number of clusters will reach 150 and the total turnover is expected to be Rs 50 crores employing approximately 25,000 people.

Jute Service Centre Scheme aims at setting up local agencies at distant locations around the country through collaboration with bona fide bodies to carry out various activities, with and on behalf of NCJD, for promotion of Jute and its diverse application in various fields. These agencies also act as a facilitator for rendering the backward and forward linkages to existing and potential entrepreneurs. The scheme has been successfully operating for the about last six years.

During the 10^th Plan Period, Ministry has allowed operation of 18 Jute Service Centres and 6 Jute Service Extension Centres are to be made operational, out of which 3 JSCs and 3 JSExCs will be in NER & Sikkim. Budget allocation by the Government for the entire Plan Period for operation and implementation of the Scheme is Rs.1,384 lakhs. For this NCJD will propose to the government for necessary enhancement as has been suggested above. The enhanced figures are shown in the following pages.

The expected output by the end of 2004-05 is to ensure providing employment to at least 3500 individuals and enhancing the consumption of jute by at least 10.0 MT by the year-end. During the year 2003-04 employment figures attained were more than 2400. This will also enhance market creation for jute diversified products and the average sale in various exhibitions is expected to be over Rs.2.00 lakhs. The activities of JSCs will also enhance the prospects for income generation for self help groups and NGOs. Also small entrepreneurs will find prospect in taking up jute diversification activity. During the current year NCJD plans to involve JSC in a brief way toward promotion of micro units, its funding and recovery.

Budget for the Scheme as approved by the Administrative Ministry is as follows