What is the Essential Commodities Act? скачать в хорошем качестве

What is the Essential Commodities Act?

The Essential Commodities Act or ECA was enacted in 1955 to make certain commodities available to consumers at fair prices. It is used by the Government to regulate the production, supply and distribution of commodities it declares ‘essential’. The list of items under the ECA include drugs, fertilisers, pulses and edible oils, 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.2 ply and 3 ply surgical masks, N95 masks and hand sanitisers were declared as essential commodities on March 13, 2020, till June 30, 2020 due to a shortage of these commodities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The State has also issued an advisory under the Legal Metrology Act to ensure these items are not sold for more than their MRP. The ECA gives consumers protection against irrational spikes in prices of essential commodities. An offender under the Essential Commodities Act can be punished with imprisonment up to seven years, or a fine, or both. Consumers can also register complaints in this regard with the National Consumer Helpline 1800-11-4000 or at consumerhelpline.gov.in.