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The Centre on Wednesday reiterated to all States to invoke the provisions of the Essential Commodities (EC) Act 1955 to ensure availability of essential goods.
In a reminder letter to all Chief Secretaries, Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla said there have been reports of loss of production due to various factors, especially reduction in labour supply. In this situation, there is a possibility of inventory building/hoarding and black marketing, profiteering, and speculative trading, resulting in price rise of essential goods.
“These measures include fixing of stock limits, capping of prices, enhancing production, inspection of accounts of dealers and other such actions,” said MHA in a statement.
Offences under EC Act are criminal offences and may result in imprisonment of 7 years or fine or both.
State/Union Territory Governments may also consider detention of offenders under the Prevention of Black-marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980, it added.
