Gujarat Government to Eliminate Plastic Files and Folders in All Offices

Gujarat's state administration has issued an order to phase out plastic files and folders from all government offices. The directive, issued by the chief minister's office, stipulates that the transition will be completed over the next twelve months, giving departments time to adopt alternative storage solutions.
The move is part of Gujarat's broader effort to reduce single‑use plastic consumption and align with national waste‑management goals. Officials say biodegradable or paper‑based alternatives will replace the current plastic items, and procurement guidelines will be updated accordingly.
Environment officials anticipate a noticeable drop in plastic waste generated by government operations, which could set a precedent for other states. The policy also includes periodic monitoring to ensure compliance across ministries and departments.
The phase‑out will be monitored by the state's Pollution Control Board, which will report progress in its annual environmental review.
Stakeholders have been asked to submit implementation plans by the end of the quarter, after which the new procurement norms will take effect.