Gujarat Government to Phase Out Plastic Files and Folders in Offices

Gandhinagar, September 30 (Daily Kiran) : The Gujarat government has announced a phased ban on the use of plastic files and folders in all its offices. Starting immediately, departments and government institutions will transition to environmentally friendly alternatives such as paper, jute, and khadi for their administrative tasks.

The General Administration Department (GAD) issued a circular directing the Gujarat Secretariat, various departmental heads, state public sector enterprises, corporations, government committees, autonomous bodies, local bodies, government universities, and grant-in-aid institutions to replace plastic stationery with eco-friendly options.

This directive aligns with environmental guidelines set forth under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 and the Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016. The primary goal of this initiative is to reduce the plastic waste generated during government operations.

Under the new guidelines, departments and related institutions must use paper, jute, khadi, and other sustainable materials instead of plastic files and folders. Arjun Modhwadia, the Minister of Forests and Environment, emphasized the government’s commitment to gradually eliminating plastic materials in favor of sustainable alternatives.

He stated, “We have decided to phase out all plastic materials, including plastic files, and replace them with sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Initially, we will stop using plastic files and switch to environmentally friendly paper files.”

To ensure that previously purchased plastic stationery is not wasted, the government has made provisions allowing the use of existing plastic files and folders until stocks are depleted. However, future purchases must comply with the new eco-friendly standards.

Environmental expert Sameer Rami welcomed the government’s decision, highlighting the need for increased awareness among citizens regarding plastic consumption. He remarked, “The government’s move to ban plastic files is a commendable step. We should minimize plastic usage in our daily lives. It is essential to create awareness among citizens when the government takes such initiatives.”