GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department of Consumer Affairs

RAJYASABHA

UNSTARRED QVESTION NO. 3900

TO BE ANSWEREDON 30/04/2010

Market Manipulation

3900. SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

(a)       whether any large scale market manipulation/price fixing of food items has been detected and investigated by Government during the last three years;

(b)       if so, the details thereof;

(c)       whether Government has a clear policy/programme and intelligence to address market manipulation; and

(d)       if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(Prof. K.V. Thomas)

a)     No Sir

b)    Question does not arise in view of (a) above

(c) & (d): The Powers have been vested with State Governments for taking action under the provisions of Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and detain such persons under the Prevention of Black-marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980, whose activities are found to be prejudicial to the maintenance of supplies of commodities essential to the community.