After the Union Government’s directive to the States to crackdown on hoarders and black marketeers to rein in the prices of potato and onion, the State Government on Saturday directed all district Collectors to strictly implement the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955 against the hoarders of the two tubers. Under the Act, anyone hoarding stocks of these two food items beyond limits prescribed by the respective State Governments would be liable for prosecution and even imprisonment, the Union Government’s directive said.
The State Governments can set their own stock limits by taking into account their local demand-supply situation.“We have issued directives to the district Collectors today to take action against hoarding and black marketing of potato and onion. We can book them under the Essential Commodities Act. The hoarders can be prosecuted and also criminal action can be taken against them,” said Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Secretary Madhusudan Padhi. Samajwadi Party State president Rabi Behera welcomed the decision of implementing the ECA on potato and onion traders.“Though late, implementation of the ECA on potato and onion hoarders an welcome step,” said Behera.