VARANASI, April 15 -- The Uttar Pradesh Corrugated Box Manufacturers Association (UPCBMA), Varanasi Chapter, has demanded urgent government assistance, citing an unprecedented surge in raw material and production costs that has completely disrupted the industry's financial structure. Rajesh Bhatia, president of the Varanasi Chapter, led a meeting on Tuesday with other members to hold a detailed discussion regarding the "grave challenges" currently confronting the packaging industry. Bhatia stated that the continuous rise in the prices of Kraft paper, adhesives, inks, LPG and other ancillary materials-coupled with the government's recent hike in wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled factory workers-has placed immense financial pressure on industry operators. Over the last two months, the cumulative effect of these increases has been an overall packaging cost surge of 20% to 30%. Specific price increases include: a 15% to 20% hike in kraft paper prices; a 30% to 40% hike in inks and chemicals prices; 100% hikes in lamination film prices; 10% to 15% hikes in LPG prices; and over 20% hikes in factory worker wages. Bhatia warned that this rise in packaging box prices will have a direct ripple effect on other industries. He noted that the escalating costs are compromising the industry's competitive edge, making it increasingly difficult for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to sustain their operations. During the meeting, association secretary Mahipal Gupta demanded that the government take immediate cognizance of the extraordinary surge in raw material prices and announce necessary relief measures. Furthermore, he urged for policy interventions directing banks to unconditionally enhance working capital limits by 20% and called for the immediate release of working capital belonging to packaging entrepreneurs that is currently locked up as GST input credit. A delegation from the association is scheduled to meet with relevant government officials shortly to press for the requisite relief and policy interventions....