New Delhi: The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020, which has provisions to remove items like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oil, onions and potatoes from the list of essential commodities was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
The Lok Sabha has already passed the Bill which will replace the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 promulgated on June 5, 2020.
Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Danve Raosaheb Dadarao proposed the Bill in the upper House for discussion and passage. The Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha after a short debate.
Replying to the discussion on the Bill before it was passed by the Rajya Sabha, the minister said that this amendment is required to prevent wastage of agri-produce due to lack of storage facilities.
He said this amendment will create a positive environment not only for the farmers but also for…