The Hindu Business Line : Orders under essentials Act likely to go

THE Union Government is considering withdrawal of the 200-odd orders issued by different States under the Essential Commodities Act, according to Mr Shanta Kumar, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

Talking to Business Line he said a political consensus had been achieved on the amendment of the Act at the Chief Ministers' conference. However, no further developments had taken place after that.

He agreed that the orders were a major obstacle for an early amendment of the Act. ``I have written to all the Chief Ministers requesting them to withdraw these orders, but nothing has happened'', Mr Kumar said.

As a result, the Union Government was contemplating withdrawal of the orders by itself.

``The Government is thinking along this line, but we are not sure when things will actually happen'', he said.

The Minister also said the amended Act would do away with the restrictions on foodgrain movements. ``In the amended Act, India would be one single food zone and there will be no restrictions on the movement of foodgrains.

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