Odisha govt ask Collectors to take action against hoarders

Odisha government today asked district collectors to take actions against the traders found guilty in hoarding and selling potato and onions at high price under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955, official sources said.
"All the district collectors have been directed to initiate action against hoarders under 1955 Act after including both potato and onion in the list of essential commodities," said Food and Supplies secretary M S Padhi.
Padhi said the state government included potato and onion in the list of essential commodities as per a directive of the Union government.
"We can book hoarders under the Essential Commodities Act, which has enabled states to undertake effective de-hoarding operations by fixing stock limits in respect of these commodities in view of rising prices. The hoarders can be prosecuted and also criminal action can be taken against them," Padhi said.

The Central government has already imposed control orders on onions and potatoes under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955, and anyone hoarding stocks of these two food items beyond limits prescribed by the respective state governments will be liable for prosecution and even imprisonment.