The Central Government through press release dated 17 May 2021 has directed States/UTs to use the provisions of Essential Commodities Act (EC Act), 1955 to ensure adequate availability of the scheduled essential commodities at fair prices to the common people. The pulse producing States/UTs were also requested to facilitate procurement as sustained procurement would incentivize farmers to cultivate pulses on a long-term basis. The pulses buffer is maintained by the Department of Consumer Affairs under the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) with pulses procured from the farmers. The buffer procurement process supports farmers on the one hand by procuring pulses at MSP, while disposal from the buffer helps in moderating moderate price volatility and thereby mitigate hardships to consumers. The procured pulses are being stored locally to ensure supply of stocks to States at minimal logistic costs and make them available at affordable prices to the consumers.
Insulated Flask, Bottles and Containers for Domestic Use (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024
The scope of the orders is extended to apply to goods or articles domestically manufactured or imported before the date of commencement of this Order