Removal of controls imposed under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955; Extension of the validity of Central Orders dated 27.09.2012 in respect of pulses, edible oils and edible oilseeds beyond 30.09.2013
The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal for extending the validity of the Central Order of 27.09.2012 issued in respect of pulses, edible oils and edible oilseeds for a further period of one year i.e. from 1st October, 2013 to 30th September 2014.
This decision would enable the State Governments to continue to take effective de-hoarding operations under Essential Commodities Act, 1955 by fixing stock limits / licensing requirements etc. in respect of pulses, edible oils and edible oilseeds. This will help in the efforts being taken to tackle the problem of rising prices and also improve the availability of these commodities to general public especially the vulnerable sections.
Background:
In August 2006 it was decided to keep in abeyance certain provisions of the Order dated 15.02.2002 in respect of wheat and pulses, with the approval of the Cabinet initially for a period of 6 months. The validity of this Order has been extended from time to time incorporating also some more essential commodities. Subsequently, Central Orders were issued by keeping in abeyance the operation of Central Order dated 15.02.2002 in respect of commodities such as edible oils, edible oilseeds, rice, paddy and sugar. The validity of all these orders have been extended from time to time. At present stock limits are permitted for pulses, edible oils and edible oilseeds for a period upto 30.09.2013 and in respect of rice and paddy upto 30.11.2013. Wheat and Sugar have been withdrawn from the ambit of these orders w.e.f. 01.04.2009 and 01.12.2011 respectively.
