The State Government has issued instructions to all district collectors to regularly review the quality, availability and prices of masks and hand sanitizers used in the prevention of Novel Corona virus. Principal Secretary, Food-Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Sheo Shekhar Shukla has sent a letter to the collectors stating that under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act 1955, masks (2 ply and 3 ply surgical masks, N95 masks) and hand sanitisers have been included in the new schedule.
All district collectors have been asked to organise a meeting of the representatives of Mask and Hand Sanitiser manufacturers and traders working in the district and make them aware of the amended provisions of the Essential Commodities Act 1955 and the Prevention of Black Marketing and Provisions of Essential Commodities Act, 1980. Also, they should be given necessary instructions to maintain general availability of these items.
Availability and prices of masks and hand sanitisers in the district should be regularly reviewed and monitored.
The Principal Secretary said that raids should be conducted against hoarders by developing information system.
Stocks should be regularly checked. Strict action should also be taken in case of irregularities and the Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection should be made aware of the action taken regularly.