Lok Sabha: Essential commodities Bill cleared amid objections from Oppn, SAD

Moving the Bill for the consideration of the House, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Raosaheb Patil Danve said, “This Bill is an important step in the direction of the doubling of farmers’ income,” Danve said.

Supporting the Bill, BJD member Bhartruhari Mahtab said, “I would urge the government that while liberalising the regulatory environment, it has to ensure that the interest of farmers and consumers are safeguarded.”

TMC member Sougata Ray said, “This Bill is in favour of big capitalists.” Congress member Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the Bill will only benefit hoarders.

SAD member Sukhbir Singh Badal said the government should have consulted the political parties before promulgating the ordinance, adding that even his party — part of the NDA — was not consulted.