April 02, 2002

IMPLEMENTATION OF ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES ACT

    During 2000-2001, goods worth Rs. 1183.68 lakh were confiscated and 2825 persons convicted for violation of provisions of Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (upto December 31, 2001). According to the Annual Report of Department of Consumer Affairs for the year 2001-2002 the central government is regularly monitoring the action taken by the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations to implement the provisions of Essential Commodities Act. During the report period, 140554 raids were conducted and 4595 persons arrested which resulted in the prosecution of 3995 and conviction of 2825.

    Under the Prevention of Black-marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of ECA 1980, 148 detention orders were issued of which 97 are in Gujarat and 37 in Tamil Nadu. The central and state governments also have the power to modify or revoke the detention orders. The representations received on behalf of the persons ordered for detentions were considered by the central government and decisions were taken in 120 cases during the year 2001.

    The EC Act, 1955 was enacted to ensure easy availability of essential commodities to consumers and protect them from exploitation by unscrupulous traders. The commodities declared as essential under the Act are reviewed from time to time in the light of liberalised economic policy and availability the items. The centre has decided to delete some commodities to promote consumer interest and free trade and the number of essential commodities has been reduced from 29 to 18 at present.

    The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2000 which aims to make the Act more stringent and effective while at the same time avoiding undue harassment of traders has been introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 8, 2000.