The Government of India has included Mask (2 & 3 ply surgical mask and N-95 mask) and Hand Sanitiser in the essential commodities till June 30, 2020 under the Essential Commodities Act. The directives have been given by the Principal Secretary Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Shivshekhar Shukla to all the Collectors for ensuring supply of essential commodities during the period of lockdown.

Shukla said that instructions should be given for ensuring availability of the essential commodities by acquainting traders dealing in essential commodities with the provisions of Essential Commodities Act and Prevention of Blackmarketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act-1980 through Letter/SMS/WhatsApp. The regular monitoring of availability and prices of essential commodities should be done.

Strict action should be taken against the hoarders under the provisions by conducting inspection and raid. Canned items should not be sold over the maximum retail price. In this regard, action should be ensured by the staff of the Weight and Measurement department. Toll free number 181 of the CM helpline can be used to lodge complaints regarding the hoarding of essential commodities. Instructions have also been given to send daily retail price information of the essential commodities.

Rice, Wheat, Flour, Chana Dal, Tuar Dal, Urad Dal, Moong Dal, Masoor Dal, Sugar, Milk, Groundnut oil, Mustard oil, Vanaspati, Sunflower oil, Palm oil, Jaggery, Tea leaves, Salt, Potatoes, Onion and Tomatoes.

Along with this, Mask and Hand Sanitiser are also included under essential commodities till June 30.