Govt relooks at futures trading in essentials

The government is taking a close look at futures trading in commodities, particularly essential ones, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said today.

The government will consider the recommendations of the parliamentary standing committee on ways to regulate forward trading, he said.

"The issue [of whether to allow futures trade in essential commodities] is with the standing committee. We will give serious thought to the recommendations of the committee," said Pawar.

The standing committee on food, consumer affairs and public distribution is likely to table its 14th report in parliament in the ongoing monsoon session.