Biratnagar, November 27

Biratnagar Jute Mill, the largest and oldest jute mill in the country, came into operation from yesterday after remaining closed for more than three years.

The factory was compelled to pull down its shutter due to protests of various trade union-aligned workers since October 4, 2014. The jute mill management committee member since 1971, Mukunda Prasad Nepal, 84, formally resumed operation of the mill.

“Of the two plants, the older one was repaired and brought into operation,” said another management committee member Rajendra Karki. According to Karki, the factory will produce 5 tonne sacks and rope on a daily

basis initially and the production will go up to more than 20 tonne sacks and ropes after 15 days. The older plant was repaired and is in operation.

The mill also has a new machine that can produce over 50 metric tonne sacks and ropes daily. However, the new machine is out of order as it was not used for long. The mill is preparing to repair the new machine as well. Meanwhile, the old machine can work in a full-fledged manner after repairs, said sources at the mill.

The government had decided to resume operation of the mill as a company with its share ownership and a new management on January 5, 2016. The new management’s effort to operate the factory twice went in vain earlier.

The mill needs to employ 1,300 workers and staffers to operate it in a full-fledged manner. Besides this mill, there are five other jute mills along the Sunsari-Morang Industrial Estate.