Question : ACTION AGAINST HOARDERS



(a) the details of the legislative framework presently available to control hoarding and black marketing;

(b) whether the Government proposes to amend certain provisions of the said Acts for strict action against hoarders and black marketeers and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has urged the States to set up special courts for speedy trial of hoarders and black marketeers and if so, the response of the States thereon;

(d) whether the States have sought special assistance for setting up the special courts for the purpose, if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and

(e) whether the Government proposes to launch an integrated programme in coordination with the States and other agencies to check hoarding and black marketing and if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)

(a) to (e) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.216 FOR 22.07.2014 REGARDING ACTION AGAINST HOARDERS.

(a) : The Essential Commodities Act (EC Act), 1955 and The Prevention of Blackmarketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, (PBMMSEC Act), 1980 constitute the legislative framework to control hoarding and blackmarketing.

(b) : Yes, Madam. Amendments are proposed to make both the Acts more stringent and to strengthen enforcement. The amendment proposed primarily relate to the following aspects:

I. THE EC ACT

(i) Offences to be made non-bailable

(ii) Setting up of special courts

(iii) Definition of Foodstuffs

II. The PBMMSEC ACT

(i) Increase in the limit of detention period

(ii) Increase in time limit for approval by State Government and Reporting to the Central Government.

(c) & (d): No, Madam. However, the amendments proposed envisage enabling provisions for State Governments to set up special courts for speedy trail of hoarders and black marketeers.

(e) : The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 & The Prevention of Blackmarketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980 are already being implemented by the Central Government and States exercising their respective powers.

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