BackInflation hits as states fail to implement anti-hoarding order
Inflation hits as states fail to implement anti-hoarding order
PremiumNew Delhi: A majority of states, including some ruled by the UPA constituents, have not yet implemented an anti-hoarding order that covers wheat, rice, pulses and oil despite the country facing over 12% inflation.
A total of seven states - Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhatisgarh, Uttarakhand and Orissa have fully implemented the Stock Limit Order that could prove effective in checking black-marketing and profiteering by traders.
In view of high inflation, the Cabinet on 21 August extended till April 2009 the power of states to regulate how much stocks of wheat and pulses traders can keep. It also put paddy under the ambit of stock limit.
A similar notification for rice, edible oil and oilseeds was issued on 7 April and is valid for one year.
Quoting a status paper prepared by the Consumer Affairs Ministry, a government official said the order under the Essential Commodities Act empowers states to deal with hoarders sternly.
Bihar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan are among the states that have not taken recourse to this tool, he said. Its implementation is optional and at the discretion of state governments.
However, Sikkim, Rajasthan, Punjab, Goa and Bihar have informed the Centre that they are considering to impose stock limit, the official said.
Some states have imposed stock limits on select commodities and not implemented the order completely.
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