Patna,(BiharTimes): To check the influence of hoarders who are responsible for the big rise in prices of onions, potatoes and other vegetables the Centre is planning to bringing in amendments in Essential Commodities Act in the ongoing session of Parliament.

Making this announcement in Patna on Sunday Union consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister Ram Vilas Paswan said under the said amendments, an alleged hoarder would face non-bailable charges. At present the offence is bailable, which gives the hoarders a lot of advantage. A person booked for hoarding is kept in judicial custody for a maximum of six months but after the amendments it has been extended to one year.

He said the government has enough stock of essential commodities and there is no need to worry. 

Ram Vilas once again blamed the state government for introducing the Food Security Act without proper planning. 

According to him the state government introduced the Act on March 4 this year without identifying the beneficiaries. The Food Security Act has, according to him, ‘collapsed’ in the state.