The Parliament passed the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 on September 15.
The Bill replaces an Ordinance promulgated in June 2020.
It amends the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955.
The ECA 1955 was used to curb inflation by allowing the Centre to enable control by state governments of trade in a wide variety of commodities.
Features of the Bill
Removes commodities like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oils, onion and potatoes from the list of essential commodities.
Aims to remove fears of private investors of excessive regulatory interference in their business operations.
Ensures that interests of consumers are safeguarded by regulating agricultural foodstuff in situations such as war, famine, extraordinary price rise and natural calamity.