Essential Commodities Act, 1955

The Government is empowered to issue orders to control production, distribution, trade and commerce of Essential Commodities under E. C. Act, 1955. Now the Central Government has revised the list of essential commodities under this Act vide order dated 12 February, 2007 in which following items are included

1. Drugs
2. Fertilizers (organic, inorganic or mixed)
3. Foodstuffs including edible oilseeds and oil
4. Hank yarn made wholly from cotton
5. Petroleum and Petroleum Products
6. Raw jute and Jute Textiles
7. Various types of seeds :
   1. Seeds of food crops and seeds of fruits and vegetables
   2. Seeds of Cattle Fodder
   3. Jute seeds

Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 empowers the Government to control the production, supply, distribution, etc. of essential commodities. It also mentions punishment under section 7 for violating the provisions of Essential Commodities Act.

As per notification dated 12.06.2023 of Govt of India for wholesale and retail traders as well as processors on wheat stock the following stock restrictions have been implemented till March 31, 2024, Now the Central Govt. On wheat stocks vide notification dated 8th February, 2024. Stock restrictions have been imposed till dated 31st March, 2024 and the said stock restrictions are as follows :

• Traders/Wholesaler : 500 MT
• Retailer : 5 MT for each Retail outlet
• Big Chain Retailers : 5 MT for each outlet and 500 MT at all their depot
• Processors : Remaining months till April 2024 multiplied by 60% of monthly installed capacity

In 2014-15 it was observed that average prices of Essential Commodities like tur / tur dal, Edible Oils, Edible Oilseeds and other Pulses were increased more than 15% than the previous year. For preparing Action Plan to control price hike the State Government has established Price Monitoring Committee vide Government Resolution dated 28th December, 2015.At present, The appointment of non-official members in the said Committee has been cancelled.

Stock Limit

Stock limits on Pulses, Edible oil and Edible Oilseeds 19/10/2015 view(3 MB)

Stock limits on Pulses (Republished) 28/10/2015 view(47 KB)

Stock limits for Import-Export of Specified Food Stuff(Republished) 28/10/2015 view(55 KB)

Increased in stock limits on Edible Oilseeds Including Groundnut in shell (Republished) 28/10/2015 view(31 KB)

Increase in stock limit of Pulses 01/03/2017 view(113 KB)

Implementation of Black Marketing Prevention Act for Essential Commodities.

1. The Central Government has brought in-force Black Marketing Prevention Act, 1980 in all the states. The State Government, District Magistrate and Police Commissioner may detain, any person who is trying to obstruct the supply of Essential Commodities under this Act.
2. If any complaint is received either from public or from any organization, an action is taken by carrying an enquiry through competent officers.
3. Controller of Rationing, Mumbai/District Collector/District Supply Officers conduct raids and arrest the culprits with the help of State Police under Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and prosecute them in the Court of Law.

About disposal of seized stock of Tur/Tur dal by Direct Auction view(3.9 MB)