Plastic Recycling and Waste Management

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 3464
ANSWERED ON: 24.03.2022
Plastic Recycling and Waste Management
Sudheer Gupta
Sambhajirao Mane Dhairyasheel
Sanjay Sadashivrao Mandlik
Ravindra Shyamnarayan alias Ravi Kishan Shukla
Subrata Pathak
Shrirang Appa Barne

Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has recently inaugurated an international summit on Plastic Recycling and Waste Management in collaboration with the All India Plastics Manufacturers” Association (AIPMA) and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has also launched two special initiatives, `Sambhav” and `Svavlamban” to promote entrepreneurship amongst youth, particularly in aspirational districts in the country;

(d) whether the Government proposes to organise various events to create awareness among MSME of different States on plastic waste management and recycling technologies and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government is working on developing employment opportunities in plastic industry under Make in India programme of the Government and if so, the details thereof and the steps taken in this regard; and

(f) the manner in which such a summit would be helpful in opening business opportunities for MSMEs in the recycling and waste management sector in the country?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDMUM NTERPRISES
(SHRI BHANU PRATAP SINGH VERMA)

(a): Yes, Sir. The Ministry of MSME under International Cooperation Scheme organized International Mega-Summit on Plastic Recycling and Waste Management at New Delhi during 4-5 March, 2022. The 2-day Mega-Summit brought together distinguished National and International Speakers from the industry and academia to deliberate upon challenges and opportunities in the plastics recycling sector and there was rich discussions on how it can achieve circularity & sustainability for plastics in India, whilst adding to the GDP of the country and creating new jobs as well as upgrading recycling technologies, equipment and creative financing for this emerging segment. The event witnessed the presence of over 300 delegates from various segments of plastic industry and MSMEs. The event was also attended virtually by many national as well as international experts.

(b) & (c): As part of the Iconic Week Celebrations under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav(AKAM), Ministry of MSME is conducting ”Sambhav”- National Level Awareness Program (NLAP) from 28.02.2022 to 31.03.2022 in various colleges across the country through its more than 100 field offices. Ministry is also organising more than 250 ”Nukkad Natak” in 46 Aspirational Districts covering nine states under a Special Drive called ”Svavlamban”. These special initiatives have been launched by the Ministry to promote entrepreneurship culture amongst youth population and spreading awareness on its various schemes and initiatives.

(d) to (f): Ministry of MSME regularly organizes awareness programmes all across the country for different sectors including plastics. Government also aids industry associations and stakeholders for development of plastic industry resulting in creation of employment opportunities.

During the summit, new business opportunities in the plastic waste management domain were presented, helping the audience understand the role of start-ups in Plastic Waste Management. The summit showcased the new innovations and technologies which will help to overcome the challenges related to plastic waste collection segregation and recycling. The summit will also help in motivating grass-root entrepreneurs to take up plastic recycling as a new business venture. The new innovations and ideas shared through different presentations during the summit shall encourage the industry to implement these ideas to explore new business opportunities.