The Hindu : National : Sugar stock order extended further to curb hoarding

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Sugar stock order extended further to curb hoarding

Gargi Parsai

NEW DELHI: With sugar prices still ruling around Rs. 44 a kg in the retail market, the Centre has extended till September the stock limit order to prevent hoarding for speculation. The States are empowered to take action against hoarders and black marketeers under this order.

The anti-hoarding order, which was extended last July till January 31, will now be applicable till September, official sources told The Hindu.

As per the notification issued, under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, (10 of 1955), read with clause 5 of the Sugar Control Order 1966, a dealer has to sell his stocks within 30 days of receipt of the consignment.

While a recognised (registered) dealer can stock only up to 2,000 quintals, each dealer in Kolkata and adjoining areas can keep a maximum of 10,000 quintals at any point of time as West Bengal caters for the entire northeast. For obvious reasons, the order exempts sugar stocks held on government account or by the Food Corporation of India or for the Public Distribution System.

Of all the States which had notified the sugar control order, only Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab took action to de-hoard illegally held stocks. There has been “some action” in Tamil Nadu as well but the other States have not reported any action despite soaring prices.

The sources said they expected some action in the other States in view of the Chief Ministers’ Conference scheduled here for February 6.

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