Team Herald
PANJIM: In the wake of reports of loss of production, the Central government has asked all States and Union Territories to take urgent steps to ensure the availability of essential goods by invoking provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
The move will also curb the possibility of black marketing as the letter to chief secretaries also gives them a free hand to detain traders indulging in malpractices.
“There are reports of loss of production due to various factors, especially reduction in labour supply. In this situation, the possibility of inventory building/hoardings and black marketing, profiteering, and speculative trading, and the resulting price rise of essential goods cannot be ruled out,” states the letter by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, also sent to Chief Secretary, Goa.
Bhalla has advised States to take urgent steps to ensure availability of essential goods, by invoking provisions of the EC Act, 1955.
These measures, he explained, include fixing stock limits, capping of prices, enhancing production, inspection of accounts of dealers and other such actions.
“Offences under EC Act are criminal and may result in imprisonment of 7 years, or fine, or both. States/UTs may also consider detention of offenders under the Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980,” Bhalla said. The letter was circulated to all the authorities concerned in the State to ensure compliance.
He also said the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution is authorising States and Union Territories to notify orders under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 by relaxing the requirement of prior concurrence of the Central government upto June 30.
