The Bill allows the Central Govt to regulate the supply of certain food items only under extraordinary circumstances such as war & famine. It will replace the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 which was promulgated in June 2020.
Responding to a discussion on the Bill, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Danve Raosaheb Dadarao said that this is important legislation which will promote local for vocal initiative. He said, this legislation has been brought for the farmers due to the Coronavirus pandemic situation & subsequent lockdown, which created problems in the demand & supply chain.
It will provide freedom to farmers to sell their produce as per their choice & create balance in demand & supply chain. He said, this Bill will provide assistance in the food production & create a storage system.
Participating in the discussion, Amar Patnaik of BJD said that several good provisions have been ed in the legislation which will make the entire regime more stable. RCP Singh of JD (U) said it will ensure the better production of food grain & create robust storage facilities in the country.
K. Ravindra Kumar of TDP advised the Govt to adopt cautious approach on the sensitive issue. G.K. Vasan of TMC (M) said that restriction on the movement of essential items lead to black marketing of the products. Gopal Narayan Singh of BJP said that Govt has taken several steps for the welfare of the farmers.
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