LS passes Bill allowing govt to control supply, production of commodities
Published By : Prameya News Bureau | September 15, 2020 IST
Share
New Delhi, Sep 15: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed a Bill allowing the central government to control the production, supply, distribution, trade and commerce in certain commodities with a voice vote. However, the opposition raised objection over the structure of the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020, saying it favours big corporates and against the farmers, the government managed to pass it due to its majority in the Lower House. The Bill which was promulgated on June 5 this year may impose stock limits on agricultural produce if there is a steep price rise. Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Raosaheb Dadarao Danve moved the Bill informing the amendment will encourage people linked with the supply of agriculture products and increase the investment in this field. Citing a report of the Food Processing Ministry, the minister said the loss of agricultural products in 2012-13 was approximately Rs 92,000 crore and the maximum loss was noted in fruits and vegetable products. Mentioning that there should be a processing facility to decrease the loss of agricultural products, the minister said the Bill will help in betterment of storage facilities so that the graph of loss of such products could be lessened. The minister said a new sub article has been added in the amended Bill under which seven essential items have been mentioned -- medicine, fertiliser, edible items, kapas products, jute, petroleum products and seeds. The government will have the power to control the production, supply, distribution, trade, and commerce of these commodities. Saugata Roy said there have been 13 amendments in the Essential Commodities Act since 1955 but this time it is diluting the stock limits by making an amendment in the Act. "This is a bad law and Maharashtra farmers will have to suffer with this. The Bill is in favour of big corporates." Revolutionary Socialist Party's N.K. Premchandran said attracting private investment in agricultural marketing and infrastructure is to increase the competitiveness and farmers' income but they will not be benefited. "The only beneficiaries are the multinational retailers or the big corporates after the Bill is passed." BSP's Kunwar Danish Ali said this bill is against the farmers and will benefit mediators. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal said that this ordinance should not be brought without consultation of the farmers. AAP's Bhagwant Mann opposed the Bill, saying it will help in getting the supply and demand in the hands of private players. However, TDP's K. Ram Mohan Naidu supported the Bill and said that the intention of the government is to improve the choice for farmers. (IANS)
News7 Is Now On WhatsApp Join And Get Latest News Updates Delivered To You Via WhatsApp
You Might Also Like
More From Related News
Government hikes wages of MGNREGA job card holders
NITA Football Academy emerges victorious in IWL-2 encounter!
Arunachal was, is, and will remain an integral part of India: MEA
Govinda joins Shiv Sena in CM Shinde's presence; may be fielded from Mumbai North West
‘To browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture', says PM Modi on lawyers’ letter to CJI
Jhunjhunu LS constituency tops charts with highest centenarian women voters in Rajasthan
Excise policy case: Delhi court extends CM Kejriwal's ED custody till April 1
Heatwave conditions in Gujarat as several cities record around 40 degrees temperature
Sensex crosses 74K mark in 1000 points rally
Political conspiracy, claims Kejriwal while being taken to Rouse Avenue Court
Ladakh agitation intensifies as protesters threaten march to border with China
CM Kejriwal to be produced before Delhi court today as 6-day ED custody ends
Nobel-winning economist Daniel Kahneman dies at 90
Fresh petition filed in UP court to declare Taj Mahal as Shiva temple
BJP appoints election in-charges, co-incharges for states, UTs
PM Modi, party chief J.P. Nadda among BJP's star campaigners for Rajasthan
TN MP Ganeshamurthi dies at Coimbatore hospital 4 days after 'attempting suicide'
Nominations for 2nd phase in UP begins today
Rahul Gandhi likely to file nomination in Wayanad on April 3
Delhi HC gives Kejriwal no interim relief against ED arrest, custody; matter to be heard on April 3