MP Nisha Dangi Raises Concern Over Indian Tariffs Impacting Nepali Jute Industry

Kathmandu. National Independent Party MP Nisha Dangi has drawn the government's attention to the dire state of Nepal's jute industry due to India's unfair tariff policy on Nepali jute products. Speaking in the House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday, she demanded immediate diplomatic efforts to protect the jute industry. Dangi claimed that the increased 'anti-dumping duty' and ongoing 'countervailing duty investigation' by India have directly impacted domestic industries. She warned that if industries face problems, thousands of workers will lose their jobs, and farmers will be forced to dump their jute in the streets as it won't find a market. She expressed the view that this would have a serious impact on the overall agricultural sector and industrial production. Speaking in the house, she said, 'The government's initiative to restart Biratnagar Jute Mill is positive, but it is ironic that it cannot save the industries that are currently in operation.' She pointed out the need for the government to formulate a sustainable industrial policy that can sustain currently operating industries, not just limit itself to opening closed industries. MP Dangi emphasized the need to expedite the process of reviving the jute industry in accordance with the spirit of the Industrial Enterprise Act, 2076. She urged for the necessary diplomatic and commercial negotiations to be advanced, stating that Nepali jute products should get easy access to the Indian market.