September 14, 2020
Saugata Roy opposes the introduction of The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020
FULL TRANSCRIPT
I oppose the introduction of The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020. I have given a statutory resolution against the ordinance which will be taken up later.
Sir, I want to mention that this is an example of coercive federalism by the Central government. Zabardasti State ka power chhina ja raha hai.
Previously, Sir, the States had the power to regulate stocks being kept by people because it was necessary for avoiding hoarding and black marketing during seasonal shortages due to floods or droughts. This power was wholly with the State government. Now this power is being taken over by the Central government and the powers of the State governments to regulate are being circumscribed and the power to fix stock limits is being rendered illusory.
Sir, through a provisional and explanatory clause, the ordinance has rendered the concept of stock limit illusory and meaningless. If the ordinance becomes an Act hoarders will celebrate.Therefore this Bill is meant to help hoarders.
