Government Initiatives Boost Consumer Safety, Food Security, and Inflation Control
The Government of India has announced several key initiatives aimed at enhancing consumer safety, ensuring food security, and controlling inflation. These efforts span various sectors, from consumer goods regulation to agricultural support and monitoring of essential commodity prices.
Extended Timeline for Comments on Breath Analyser Draft Rules
The Department of Consumer Affairs has extended the timeline for public comments on the draft rules for Evidential Breath Analysers, initially set to close on 26th July 2024, now extended to 16th August 2024. These draft rules, part of the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, aim to ensure the accuracy and reliability of breath analysers used by law enforcement and workplaces. The new rules require standardised testing procedures to maintain consistent and accurate results across devices, thus enhancing public safety. Comments can be submitted via email, with the draft rules accessible on the Department's website.
Direct Rice Purchase Scheme for States
Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, announced that grain-deficient states could directly purchase rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) (OMSS [D]) without participating in e-auctions. From 1st August 2024, states can procure rice at Rs 2,800 per quintal, a reduction from the previous rate of Rs 2,900 per quintal. This initiative aims to offload surplus stocks before the new procurement season and ensure quality and nutritious food supply.
The government continues to support the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), providing free food grains to 81.35 crore beneficiaries for five years from 1st January 2024, with an estimated financial outlay of Rs. 11.80 lakh crore. The initiative includes the distribution of fortified rice to address anaemia and nutrition deficiencies. The Union Minister highlighted that under the Modi government's priorities, food quality and nutrition are paramount.
Price Monitoring and Inflation Control
In a significant move to curb inflation and ensure the availability of essential commodities, the Department of Consumer Affairs has launched Version 4.0 of the Price Monitoring System (PMS) Mobile App. This updated system will now monitor the prices of 38 commodities, up from 22, covering 31% of the total Consumer Price Index (CPI) weights. The additional items include Bajra, Jowar, Ragi, Suji, Maida, Besan, Ghee, Butter, Brinjal, Egg, Black Pepper, Coriander, Cumin seed, Red chillies, Turmeric powder, and Banana.
The expansion of price monitoring aims to stabilise food item prices and control overall inflation. The government has taken several measures, such as providing Bharat Chana Dal at Rs. 60 per kg, Bharat Atta at Rs. 27.50 per kg, and Bharat Rice at Rs. 29 per kg. Additionally, retail sale of tomatoes at Rs. 60 per kg began on 29th July 2024. The government has also imposed stock limits on pulses and allowed the import of pulses at zero duty to augment domestic supply.
These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to maintaining the affordability and availability of essential commodities, thereby ensuring food security and stabilising the market amid inflation concerns. The government continues to prioritise consumer welfare, food quality, and economic stability through robust policy measures and timely interventions.