The State Government has been advised to take urgent steps to ensure availability of essential goods by invoking provisions of the Essential Commodities (EC) Act 1955.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla has said the Government of India under the Disaster  Management Act has allowed manufacture, production, transport and other related supply-chain activities in respect of essential goods like foodstuff, medicines and medical equipment.

However, there are reports of loss of production due to various factors, especially reduction in labour supply.

In this situation, the possibility of inventory building, hoarding and black marketing, profiteering and speculative trading, and the resulting price rise of essential goods cannot be ruled out, said Bhalla.

He said these measures include fixing of stock limits, capping of prices, enhancing production, inspection of accounts of dealers and other such actions.

Offences under EC Act are criminal offences and may result in imprisonment of seven years or fine or both.

He advised the State Government  also to consider detention of offenders under the Prevention of Black-Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980.

The Union Ministry Of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution is authorising State Government  to notify orders under the EC Act, 1955 by relaxing the requirement or prior concurrence of the Central Government up to June 30, 2020.

Bhalla has urged Chief Secretary to take urgent steps to ensure availability of these commodities at fair prices for public at large.