New Delhi (NVI): The Central Government today asked states to take urgent steps to prevent hoarding or black marketing in the country amid the coronavirus situation and lockdown, and ensure that essential commodities are available at fair price for public at large.
In a letter to states, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that such acts can’t be ruled out due to the loss of production and labour crisis in the wake of the nationwide lockdown.
The Home Ministry has asked states to ensure availability of essential goods by invoking Essential Commodities Act 1955, in this regard.
“States/Union Territory Governments are advised to take urgent steps to ensure availability of these essential goods, by invoking provisions of the Essential Commodities (EC) Act 1955,” the MHA said in a statement.
Union Home Secretary, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, in a written communication, has advised all state chief secretaries to take steps in this regard.
