Page 7 - Plastics News February 2022

THE PRESIDENT SAYS

The Feel Good Factor

Dear Friends of the Plastic Industry,

With a very good feel factor coming out from the finance budget given by Hon’ble Finance Minister
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on 1st February, 2022. It is nice to write this President’s message for you all.

The budget given by the Finance Ministry sets very firmly their intention and direction in the
government and our country is going on the path of growth. The macro picture of the government
having a “Nal Se Jal Yojana” with a budget of Rs.60,000/- crores will give boost to the Plastic Industry
with respect to Plastic Pipes and Fittings, etc. emergency credit line extended to the MSME would
also be an advantage.

We welcome the initiative of the government to frame a new policy for SEZ and export promotion
zones and also the new Public Procurement policy with e-billing and e-payments in 10 days is a big
booster for the MSMEs and we applaud the initiative. The E-Vehicles and battery charging stations
which will be created will give a boost to plastic consumption and demand.

Government focus on up skilling and creating institutes for skill development will benefit institutions
like our AMTEC to elevate the standard of man power which are required for the industry and there
many other features which will directly or indirectly support our Plastic industry and cater the growth
of the nation and demand of our plastic products.
The government is very seriously engaged in the stake-holders consultation and receiving feedback
on FTAs for UAE and Australia, etc. for which our Association is studying the matter and compiling
inputs to put forward to the government authorities. We request the members to please to send us
your views on the same to enable us to integrate your opinion.

AIPMA has made a very strong representation for solicitation of exclusion of EPR on rigid packaging
as items like 5 litres to 200 litres jerry cans, carboys, etc. and paint, buckets, etc. never littered and is
already going to the correct recycling change and no justification to levy EPR on this. The merits
of this was very well and positively received at ministry level.

In the budget speech, Hon’ble Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned about the EPR which
will be the key in the nation’s development and we need to accept and comply with positive mind
set and put forward our demands to have a practical solution to maintain the ease of business and
compliance needed. We need to be mentally prepared to see the new SUP rules and the EPR guidelines
which will be a way of life for the Plastic industry soon.

Looking at the global scenario of the Plastic industry, there is a clear visibility that the Indian
Plastic industry needs to adopt latest technology and best management practices and upskilling of
professionals to keep the edge in the competitive market. Keeping this in mind, AIPMA is conducting
several physical and virtual training programmes
I would like to end this by saying we are fortunate to be a part of Atmanirbhar and process of building
a stronger India and a strong Plastic Industry. We are fortunate to the part of changing India and
celebrate 75 years of independence Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav of India which will be organized
jointly MSME & AIPMA supported by Ministry of MSME. The subject is Plastics – Pathway to
Circularity & Sustainability in India in March, 2022 at New Delhi.

Kishore P. Sampat
president@aipma.net

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