Highlighting the ill effects of Plastics the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution Shri Ram Vilas Paswan informed at a media interaction that 95 lakh tonnes of plastic waste is generated by single use plastic out of this 6 lakh tonnes goes into the sea contaminating the waters. He also said that plastic waste when burnt gives rise to respiratory illnesses. The aim of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution is to phase out plastic use in packaging and move towards 100% use of jute in packaging foodstuff. Informing the media about initiatives taken by his Ministry in replacing one time use plastic bottles for drinking water with suitable alternatives, the Minister said that during a meeting attended by industry organisations and stakeholders and various government departments there were deliberations on issues relevant to packaging of drinking water. All stakeholders presented suggestions on replacing one time use plastic bottles for drinking water with suitable alternatives .They said there is a need for formulation of standards for packaging of drinking water using compostable material and a need to spread consumer awareness to curb plastic usage. Shri Paswan informed that all attached, subordinate autonomous bodies under the administrative control of his Ministry have stopped using single use plastic.
Conveying birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 69th birthday Minister of Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution Shri Ram Vilas Paswan lauded the work that has taken place in the country in every sphere. Addressing media he said that under Prime Ministers leadership India’s profile has risen on the global platform and PM has proved that India is a strong nation that can take on any security challenge. On the economy the Minister said that that GST and demonetisation have laid the foundations of a strong economy. On social justice the Minister said that the PM has ensured social justice for all sections of society including Muslim women. About Kashmir the Minister said that PM’s policies will go a long way in restoring normalcy in Kashmir and making it a prime tourism destination. He stated that today Swatch Bharat Abhiyan which began on 2nd October 2014 has become a national movement and Prime Minister has appealed to all people to make India plastic free.
";
