Bhubaneswar: Odisha has opposed the Centre’s decision to amend the Essential Commodities Act.
The State food supply and consumer welfare minister, Ranendra Pratap Swain, said that this decision is anti-farmers. According to him famers will lose their bargaining power as big traders will have huge stocks.
Stating that he had moved the chief minister’s office on May16 anticipating a move by the Centre, Swain said the amendment of the Act would weaken the State government’s control over the six essential commodities. The State would not be able to verify the stock except in exceptional times may lead to hoarding by unscrupulous traders putting the consumers in to hardship, he has pointed out.
The minister said the State will take a clear stand after the amendment details are received.
The union cabinet Tuesday removed 6 essential commodities like onion, potato, pulses and edible oil from the purview of Essential Commodities Act.
