Question: Recently, which item/s is/are included in the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 by the Central Government?
(a) Masks and hand sanitizers
(b) Fruit and vegetables
(c) Internet
(d) Fan and Room coolers
Answer: (a)
Related facts:
- The Centre has brought masks and hand sanitizers under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 till June 30, 2020.
- This inclusion will make sure that these products are easily available and prevent hoarding. This will help preventing the spread of Covid-19 infection.
- Essential Commodities Act, 1955 aims to ensure smooth and easy availability of essential items to consumers.
- Under the Act, the Government regulates the production, supply and distribution of certain commodities it declares essential in order to make them available to consumers at fair prices and right quality.
- Items which are included in list under this Act are; drugs, fertilizers, pulses and edible oils and petroleum and petroleum products.
- The Centre can include new commodities as and when the need arises and take them off the list once the situation improves.
- The State Governments are the implementing agencies to implement the EC Act, 1955 along with the Prevention of Black Marketing & Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980.
- The offender of this Act is liable for imprisonment up to seven years.
Links:
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/masks-sanitisers-put-under-essential-commodities-act/article31062832.ece
http://newsonair.nic.in/hindi/Text-Bulletin-Details.aspx?id=33204