New Delhi, Aug. 29 -- The Government of India has increased usage charges for gunny bags by nearly 40 per cent providing financial relief to State Governments and Union Territories in the country, said Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi here on Friday.

Joshi said, "The decision is aimed at ensuring smooth procurement operations thereby, supporting sustainable packaging practices while strengthening Centre-State cooperation in foodgrain procurement and distribution."

The Centre received requests from various States and UTs for the revision following which, the Department of Food and Public Distribution, GoI, constituted a committee.

The committee comprised members from State Governments/UTs an...