Plastic folders, files to be phased out in Gujarat govt offices

Gandhinagar, Aug 25 (IANS) Gujarat will phase out the use of plastic folders and files across government offices, with the state government directing departments and institutions to switch to file covers made from paper, jute and cloth as part of efforts to reduce plastic use in official administration.

The General Administration Department (GAD) has issued a circular providing for the gradual discontinuation of plastic folders and files in government offices across the state.

The measure will cover offices ranging from the Secretariat to local self-government institutions and government universities.

The decision applies to all departments of the Secretariat, offices of heads of departments, public sector undertakings, corporations, boards, autonomous institutions, local self-government bodies, government universities and institutions receiving grant-in-aid.

Under the new guidelines, plastic folders and files used in day-to-day official work will gradually be replaced with environmentally friendly and durable covers made from paper, jute or cloth.

The government has linked the measure to efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastic that can harm the environment, citing the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

The move is intended to reduce the use of plastic-based stationery in government offices in a phased manner.

The circular states that offices can continue using their existing stock of plastic stationery until it is exhausted. However, all new purchases thereafter will have to comply with the environmental guidelines and use alternatives to plastic folders and files.

The government has also said the initiative is in line with its commitment to the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ and environmental conservation. It aims to encourage a shift towards a plastic-free working culture within government administration.

The decision is expected to cover the full range of state government-linked establishments, ensuring that the change is not limited to Secretariat departments but extends to public bodies, autonomous institutions, universities and local government organisations as well.

The General Administration Department has made the phased approach applicable to existing stationery stocks, while requiring future procurement to follow the new guidelines.

–IANS

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