Essential Commodities Act, 1955 – Recent Invocation and Policy Significance

Why in News?

Recently, the Union government once again invoked the provisions of the Act amid a global energy crisis, highlighting the continued relevance of the legislation in responding to extraordinary economic situations.

What is the recent invocation?

• March 2026 LPG Supply Order – On March 5, 2026, the Centre invoked the Essential Commodities Act following an oil supply disruption triggered by geopolitical tensions involving strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran.
• Under this order, oil refining companies were directed to maximise production of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and ensure that it is made available exclusively for domestic consumers.
• The government specifically named the three major public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs):
  • Indian Oil Corporation
  • Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
  • Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
• These companies collectively supply LPG to around 99% of domestic households in India.
• Key Provisions of the Order
  • The government directed OMCs to prioritise the utilisation of propane and butane streams for LPG production.
  • Refineries were prohibited from diverting propane or butane to petrochemical manufacturing.
  • LPG production must be directed exclusively toward domestic consumption.
• The order invoked Clauses 3 and 5 of the Essential Commodities Act, which empower the Centre to regulate production, supply, and distribution of essential commodities.
• The directive came into force immediately and will remain effective until further orders.

What is the purpose and scope of the essential commodities act?

• Purpose & scope – The Essential Commodities Act, enacted in 1955, allows the government to:
  • Regulate production and supply of essential goods
  • Control distribution and pricing
  • Impose stock limits to prevent hoarding
  • Ensure equitable availability of key commodities
• The Act has been widely used to stabilise prices of food items such as cereals, pulses, sugar, and edible oils during periods of inflation or supply disruptions.
• The 2020 Amendment to the Act – In 2020, Parliament amended the Essential Commodities Act with the aim of liberalising agricultural markets and encouraging private investment in storage and supply chains.
• Key commodities – The amendment deregulated stock limits on key agricultural commodities such as:
  • Cereals
  • Pulses
  • Potatoes
  • Onions
  • Edible oilseeds and edible oils
• Restrictions – However, the government retained the power to impose restrictions under extraordinary circumstances, including:
  • War
  • Famine
  • Natural calamities of grave nature
  • Extraordinary price rise
• Threshold – The amendment also introduced specific thresholds for imposing stock limits:
  • 100% increase in retail price of perishable horticultural produce
  • 50% increase in retail price of non-perishable food items
• Last Invocation Before 2026: Wheat Stock Limits in August 2025
• The Centre last invoked the Act on August 26, 2025, to control rising wheat prices ahead of the festive season.
• The government revised stock limits as follows:
  • Traders and wholesalers – Reduced from 3,000 MT to 2,000 MT
  • Retailers – Reduced from 10 MT to 8 MT
  • Processors – Limited to 60% of Monthly Installed Capacity (MIC), down from 70%
• These restrictions were imposed as part of the government’s price moderation strategy ahead of the festive season, particularly before Deepavali and the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for October–November 2025.
• The limits are set to remain in force until March 31, 2026.

What are the major invocations of the act since 2020?

• April 2020: During the COVID-19 Lockdown – During the nationwide lockdown imposed to control the spread of COVID-19, the Centre invoked the Act and urged states to do the same.
• The objective was to:
  • Ensure availability of essential commodities
  • Prevent hoarding and black marketing
  • Stabilise prices during supply disruptions caused by labour shortages and transport restrictions.
• September 2020: Legislative Amendment – As the economy began reopening after the lockdown, Parliament amended the Essential Commodities Act.
• This was done to deregulate stock limits and promote agricultural investment, while retaining emergency powers for the government.
• May 2022: Sugar Export Cap – To maintain domestic supply and price stability, the government capped sugar exports at 10 million tonnes until September 2022.
• The decision followed record sugar exports during the 2020–21 season, which reached 7 million tonnes, significantly higher than 5.96 million tonnes in 2019–20.
• August 2022: Monitoring Tur Dal Stocks – Amid rising prices of tur dal, the Centre directed states to monitor and verify stocks held by traders.
• The price increase was attributed to slow kharif sowing due to excessive rainfall and waterlogging in major producing states such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
• At that time, retail inflation had remained above 7% since April 2022.
• September 2023: Wheat Stock Limits – The government imposed stock limits on wheat to curb artificial scarcity created by hoarders.
• Traders, retailers, processors, and large retail chains were required to:
  • Register on the wheat stock limit portal
  • Report stock positions weekly
  • Reduce stock holdings exceeding prescribed limits.
• December 2023: Further Tightening of Wheat Limits – As wheat and wheat flour (atta) prices remained elevated in several regions, the Centre further tightened stock limits:
  • Traders and wholesalers: reduced to 1,000 MT
  • Retailers: reduced from 10 MT to 5 MT
  • Processors: reduced from 75% to 70% of MIC
• The government justified these measures on the grounds of ensuring national food security and price stability.

What lies ahead?

• Despite attempts to liberalise agricultural markets through the 2020 amendment, the Essential Commodities Act continues to remain a critical policy tool for crisis management.
• Whether addressing food inflation, hoarding, supply disruptions, or energy shortages, the Act enables the government to intervene swiftly in markets to safeguard consumer interests and maintain national economic stability.
• The recent invocation in March 2026 to prioritise LPG supply underscores the Act’s continuing relevance in managing both food and energy security challenges in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Reference

The Hindu| Essential Commodities Act

Appointment of Governor

Why in News?

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has been appointed as the new Governor of West Bengal.

• Governor – He/She is a nominal executive head of the state & forms an important part of the state executive, where he/she acts as the chief executive head.
• Appointment – The Governor of a State in India is appointed by the President of India by warrant under his hand and seal.
• Tenure – Normally 5 years, but the Governor holds office at the pleasure of the President.
• Removal – The Governor can be removed by the President at any time, without assigning reasons.
• There is no impeachment procedure for Governors, unlike the President of India.
• Qualifications
  • Must be a citizen of India.
  • Must be at least 35 years old.
  • Cannot hold any office of profit.
  • Cannot be a member of Parliament or State Legislature.
• Dual Role – The Governor acts as the constitutional head of the state and as a representative of the Union Government.
• Constitutional Provisions

• Roles and Responsibilities
• Executive Role – Appoints the Chief Minister and other ministers & oversees administration and ensures governance as per the Constitution.
• Legislative Role – Summons and prorogues the state legislature, can dissolve the Legislative Assembly & gives assent to bills or reserves them for the President.
• Judicial Role – Has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, or commutations (Article 161).
• Discretionary Powers – In situations like hung assemblies, breakdown of constitutional machinery, or when reserving bills for the President.
• Various Committees & Commissions
  • Sarkaria Commission (1983) – Recommended that Governors should be eminent persons, not involved in local politics & suggested consultation with the Chief Minister before appointment.
  • Punchhi Commission (2007) – Emphasised fixed tenure for Governors, recommended limiting discretionary powers to avoid misuse.
  • Rajamannar Committee (1969) – Suggested reducing the Union’s interference through Governors.
• SC Judgments
  • SR Bommai v. Union of India (1994) clarified limits on the Governor’s discretion in recommending President’s Rule.
  • Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker (2016) restricted the Governor’s interference in legislative matters.

References

1. The Hindu | TN Governor R.N. Ravi transferred to West Bengal
2. Govt of Maharashtra | Role of Governor

Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)

Why in News?

The 15^th Meeting of the COP15 to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) will take place in Brazil from 23 to 29 March 2026.

• CMS – It is an international environmental treaty that provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats.
• Under the – Agies of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• Also known as – The CMS of Wild Animals is popularly known as the Bonn Convention.
• Conception – It began at the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.
• Launched in – Signed in 1979 in Bonn, Germany, while it entered into force in 1983.
• Secretariat – Provided by UNEP, based in Bonn, Germany.
• Purpose & Scope
  • Brings together range states—countries through which migratory animals pass.
  • Establishes cooperative conservation measures to protect migratory species and their habitats.
• Members – There are 133 (as of 2022). Jamaica has signed but not ratified to become a party yet.
• India’s Role – India is a Party to the CMS and actively participates in conservation efforts.
• Not Party – Major countries not party to the Convention include China, Russia, the United States, Canada, and Japan.
• Appendices of the Convention
  • Appendix I – Lists migratory species threatened with extinction.
  • Parties commit to strict protection, habitat conservation, and removal of obstacles to migration.
  • Appendix II – Includes species that require or would benefit from international cooperation.

CMS is the only global convention specialising in the conservation of migratory species, their habitats and migration routes.

Quick Fact

Reference

UNEP | COP15 to the CMS will take place from 23 to 29 March 2026 in Brazil

Attrition Warfare

Why in News?

As tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran continue, both Washington and Tehran signal their readiness for a prolonged standoff & experts caution that the situation is evolving into a “war of attrition.”

• Definition – War of attrition is a military strategy where a warring side seeks to exhaust its opponent’s resources, personnel, and morale (will to fight) until the capacity to fight collapses.
• The strategy involves a large amount of equipment, soldiers, and supplies to maintain sustained pressure on the enemy.
• Origin – The term attrition derived from the Latin word “attritionem”, meaning “a rubbing against” or “wearing away”.
• Key Features – In attrition warfare, a warring side with greater resources seeks to wear down its opponent’s resources to the point of collapse.
• The victory comes not from quick battles but from endurance and persistence.
• Historical Context – This strategy has been used since ancient times, famously associated with World War I trench warfare, where stalemates forced armies to rely on overwhelming numbers and resources.
• Comparison with Manoeuvre Warfare
  • Manoeuvre Warfare – Focus on strategic positioning to disrupt an opponent’s forces without heavy losses.
  • Attrition Warfare – Focus on prolonged fighting to drain the enemy.
• Both strategies are often interlinked.
• Examples
• World War I – Western and Italian fronts became stalemates due to trench warfare - Allied powers, with superior men and resources, eventually prevailed through attrition.
• West Asia (1969–1970) – Egypt vs Israel over the Sinai Peninsula.
• Egypt’s strategy – Artillery bombardment → limited crossings → extensive operations → full‑scale crossing, with an aim to drain Israel’s military and economy.
• Current US–Israel–Iran Tensions – The confrontation is showing signs of becoming a war of attrition.
• The US & Israel have superior military and technological power, but Iran's approach appears to be survival—absorbing punishment longer than adversaries can sustain costs.
• Risk – Prolonged conflict could escalate into a regional conflagration, with global economic and security fallout.

Reference

Indian Express | What is war of attrition?

Oleum Gas Leak

Why in News?

A fresh oleum gas leak at a chemical unit in Boisar has once again brought attention to recurring industrial safety incidents in the Tarapur-Boisar belt of Palghar district, Maharashtra.

• Oleum (fuming sulphuric acid) – It is a highly corrosive, dense, oily liquid ranging from colourless to pale yellow, formed by dissolving sulfur trioxide in sulfuric acid.
• Application – It is primarily used in industrial sulfonations, explosives, dye manufacturing, and producing high-strength sulfuric acid.
• Impact – It reacted with air to release sulphur dioxide and other sulphur oxides.
• This produced a dense white cloud that reduced visibility within the factory premises and surrounding areas.
• Tarapur-Boisar Industrial Estate – Together form one of Maharashtra’s oldest and largest industrial estates.
• This area houses a large number of chemical, pharmaceutical, and allied manufacturing units operating in close proximity.
• Risk – Because many hazardous processes take place within a relatively small area, the probability of accidents involving gases, chemicals or industrial spills increases.
• Other Hazardous Substances in Use – Many of the factories in the area handle highly reactive or toxic substances such as chlorine, nitrogen derivatives, and other industrial gases.
• These materials require stringent safety systems, specialised storage infrastructure, and continuous monitoring.

Safeguards against chemical disasters in India

• Indian Penal Code (IPC)
• Various guidelines under the Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
• Environment Protection Act, 1986
• Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical (MSIHC) Rules, 1989 & Chemical Accident Rules, 1996
• Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
• National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997
• National Green Tribunal Act, 2010

Quick Fact

Reference

Indian Express | Oleum gas leak at the Tarapur-Boisar belt

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

Why in News?

CAG highlights flaws in Bihar’s Ayushman Bharat and PMAY, from weak beneficiary checks to poor fund utilisation.

• CAG – CAG is a constitutional authority under Articles 148–151 of the Constitution, audits the financial accounts of the Government of India and its state governments.
• CAG is the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.
• He/She is the guardian of the public purse and controls the entire financial system of the country at the Centre and the State level.
• Colonial Foundations – The roots of the IA&AD trace back to the British colonial administration, where financial accountability was introduced to monitor revenue and expenditure.
• Early structures focused on civil accounts and revenue audits, laying the groundwork for modern practices.
• Constitutional provision – Article 148 provides for an independent office of the CAG.
• Appointment by – The President of India by a warrant under his hand and seal.
• Governed by – The Comptroller and Auditor-General's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, with significant amendments in 1976, 1984, and 1987.
• Tenure – 6 years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier
• Resignation – CAG can resign at any time from his office by addressing the resignation letter to the President of India.
• Removal – Same manner as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.
  • Can be removed by the President based on a resolution passed to that effect by both Houses of Parliament with a special majority.
• Reason for removal – Proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
• Reappointment – Not eligible for further office, either under the Government of India or of any State.
• Salary & service conditions – Service conditions are determined by the Parliament; salary is equal to judge of the Supreme Court.
• Administrative expenses – Charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI).

CAG, Supreme Court, Election Commission and Union Public Service Commission were referred to as the bulwarks of the democratic system of government.

References

1. Indian Express | CAG flags issues in Ayushman Bharat and PMAY in Bihar
2. CAG of India | CAG