States asked to invoke Essential Commodities Act, 1955

  • IASbaba
  • April 9, 2020
  • 0
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States asked to invoke Essential Commodities Act, 1955

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Polity & Governance

In News:

  • States are asked to invoke Essential Commodities (EC) Act, 1955 by the Ministry of Home Affairs to maintaining smooth supply of essential items at fair prices in the country.
  • The measures include fixing of stock limits, capping of prices, enhancing production, etc.

Key takeaways:

  • States can now notify orders under the EC Act, 1955 without prior agreement from the Central Government up to June 30, 2020.
  • Offences under EC Act are criminal offences and may result in imprisonment of 7 years or fine or both. 
  • Offenders can also be booked under the Prevention of Black-marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980.

Important value additions:

Essential Commodities (EC) Act, 1955

  • It is an act of Parliament of India. 
  • It was established to prevent hoarding of the essential commodities and to ensure their timely delivery so that the normal life does not get affected. 
  • This includes foodstuff, drugs, fuel (petroleum products) etc.

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