Loss of 3 Lakh Jobs & Rs 15,000 Crore From Maharashtra Plastic Ban
The state-wide plastic ban in Maharashtra will result in the loss of up to Rs 15,000 crore and nearly 3 lakh jobs.
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The state-wide plastic ban in Maharashtra by the Devendra Fadnavis government will result in the loss of up to Rs 15,000 crore and nearly 3 lakh jobs, says the plastic manufacturing industry. The ban includes carry-bags and thermocol.
"The ban imposed by Maharashtra from Saturday has hit the industry very hard and the plastic industry is staring at a loss of Rs 15,000 crore, leaving nearly 3 lakh people jobless overnight," Plastic Bags Manufacturers Association of India general secretary Neemit Punamiya told PTI on Sunday, 24 June.
Nearly 2,500 members of the association have left with the no option but to shut shop following the ban, he added, and termed the ban as "discriminatory".
On 23 March, the state announced a ban on manufacture, use, sale, distribution and storage of plastic materials such as one-time-use bags, spoons, plates, PET, and PETE bottles and thermocol items.
The government had given three months time to dispose of the existing stocks, which ended on 23 June.
Industry insiders have said the job losses from the ban will impact the state's GDP, and also increase banks' bad loans from the plastic sector.
While retailers across the megapolis have said heavy fines for violating the bank will make them financially unviable and force them to turn away many customers, consumers have complained of inconvenience, and wondered whether the ban makes any sense.
The civic authorities have imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 for first-time offenders and Rs 10,000 for second-time offenders. Those who violate the ban for the third time will face a fine of Rs 25,000, along with three months’ imprisonment.
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