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.
