Parliamentary Committee System
Parliamentary Committee System A Parliamentary Committee means a Committee which is appointed or elected by the House or nominated by the Speaker and which works under the direction of the Speaker and presents its report to the House or to the Speaker and the Secretariat for which is provided by the Lok Sabha Secretariat. Parliamentary Committees are of two types: Standing Committees and Ad hoc Committees. The origin of the Committee system in India can be traced back to the Constitutional Reforms of 1919. Important Committees of Indian Parliament: Business Advisory Committees: The main business of this Committee is to control the timetable of the House. The Committee may also make recommendations as to how much time should be given for the discussion of the various stages of a bill. The Business Advisory Committee submits a unanimous report to the House which the latter also adopts in tote. Select Committees: These Committees are constituted when a motion that the said Bill be referred to a Select Committee is passed by the House. The Committee examines the bill clause by clause. It may make substantial amendments to the bill. The Committee then submits its report to the House. Joint Committees: These Committees help the House to perform the business of legislation smoothly. It avoids duplication of legislation and thereby saves the time of Parliament. Committees on Private Member’s bill: The main function of the Committee is to examine those bills which are introduced by the Private Members of the House. Further, the Committee sorts out such bills according to their contents, urgency, and importance. Committee on Petitions: It is formed at the commencement of the House. The Committee examines the petitions submitted to the House by the People. The Committee takes proper evidence in each case and can suggest remedies to the House. Committee on Privileges: The Committee examines all cases of breach of privileges of the House. It then submits its report to the House. Rules Committee: According to the Constitution of India, each House of Parliament makes rules for regulating one conduct of its business. The Committee examines those rules and can also make recommendations for changes in them. Committee on Subordinate Legislation: The main function of the Committee is to examine whether the delegated legislation is properly exercised in accordance with the rules and regulations conferred by the Constitution. Estimates Committee: The chief function of the Committee is to consider the estimates or expenditure submitted to the Lok Sabha. It carefully examines the estimates of the different departments of Government. It can suggest recommendations for the economy. However, the Committee does not deal with the general policy of the Government, relating to the proposed expenditure. The Committee then submits recommendations to the House. Committee on Government Assurance: The math business of the Committee is to see whether the assurances given by the ministers from time to time have been implemented. It also submits its report to the House. Committee on Absence of Members from the sitting of House: The main function of the Committee is to examine the leave applications of those members of the House who have been absent for 60 days or more. Public Accounts Committee: “The Public Accounts Committee is the twin brother of the Estimates Committee.” The Committee must have to satisfy itself that the public money has been spent by the different departments in accordance with the laws of Parliament. It also examines the report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General. The Committee in its report to the Lok Sabha points out the irregularities of different ministers and suggests remedial measures. Significance of Parliamentary Committee System: The idea behind the committee system in Parliament is to provide a specialized forum for deliberation on policy issues. This ensures that the deliberations are not constrained by the limited number of sitting days as in the case of Parliament. Debates in committees are more technical and so, the deliberations require time and stretch for a few months. The purpose is to strengthen the administration by investing it with more meaningful parliamentary support. Committee meetings also provide a forum where members can engage with domain experts as well as senior-most officials of the concerned ministries. A considerable amount of legislative work gets done in these smaller units of MPs from both Houses, across political parties The work done by the Parliament in modern times is not only varied in nature but considerable in volume. Committees relieve the Parliament of its burden. They also, save time and give an expert opinion on the subject. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Lieutenant Governor issues in Delhi
Lieutenant Governor issues in Delhi The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is likely to introduce legislation in the ongoing Parliament session to amend a 1991 Act pertaining to the powers and function of the Delhi government and the Lieutenant Governor. The Union Territory of Delhi with a Legislative Assembly came into being in 1991 under Article 239 AA of the Constitution inserted by ‘the Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991’, It said that the UT of Delhi shall be called the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Controversy Between LG & Delhi Government The LG vs Delhi Government’s jurisdiction debate that the Supreme Court sought to address in NCT of Delhi vs. Union of India (2018).This special set up worked well mainly because the same party held office at the Centre as well as in Delhi for much of the time.Presently, SC is looking into two main issues: Whether the elected government is the final authority in respect of matters assigned to it by the constitution & Whether the LG has primacy when a difference of opinion arises between him and his council of ministers on matters of governance Salient points in the SC verdict LG is only an administrator. Council of Ministers led by CM will convey all decisions to the LG. But that does not mean Council of Ministers needs his concurrence or permission to take any decision. Normally, LG will have to go by the “aid and advise” of the Council of Ministers headed by the CM. Delhi is not a state but enjoys a special status as it has an elected govt. Central government cannot be given full control over NCT. Elected government accountable to people supreme in all areas of governance except three — land, police and pu public order which are with the centre. Legislative Assembly will have similar powers. All other discordant issues such as control over officers, appointments etc will be decided by a regular bench as per this five-judge bench ruling. Article 239 AA As per Article 239 AA (3) (a), the Delhi assembly can legislate on all those matters listed in the State List and Concurrent List as are applicable to union territories. The public order, police and land are reserved for the LG Article 239 AA was incorporated in the Constitution in 1992. It creates a “special” constitutional set up for Delhi. Under Article 239 AA (4), the council of ministers has the executive power to execute all matters in respect of which the assembly has the power to make laws. Article 239 AA (b) says that the council of ministers shall be collectively responsible to the assembly. Article 239 AA virtually nullifies the executive power vested in the council of ministers. Challenges The court did not very clearly delineate the issues in respect of which the LG can refer a decision taken by the Council of Ministers to the President in the event of a difference of opinion between the LG and the State government. Overlapping Areas Lt. Governor should not emerge as an adversary having a hostile attitude towards the Council of Ministers of Delhi; rather, he should act as a facilitator. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM)
Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) QRSAM has been developed to replace the ‘Akash’ missile defence system, and has 360-degree coverage. It is developed by DRDO and has been tested from the Odisha coast, Chandipur. It uses solid fuel propellant and has a strike range of 25-30 km with capability of hitting multiple targets. A number of range instruments like Radar, Telemetry and Electro Optical Sensors were deployed which captured the complete flight data and verified the performance of the missile. It is predominantly developed for the Indian Army and is in possession of State-of-the-art technology like array radar, radio frequency seeker and so on. It is capable of hitting the low flying objects. The QRSAM weapon system, which operates on the move, comprises fully automated command and control, active array battery surveillance radar, active array battery multifunction radar and launcher. Radars acquired the target from a long range and tracked it till the mission computer automatically launched the missile. Continuous guidance was provided through Radar data link. Missile entered the terminal active homing guidance and reached the target close enough for proximity operation of warhead activation.
Gas Authority Of India Ltd. – GAIL
Gas Authority Of India Ltd. – GAIL In 1984, GAIL India was established by the Indian government as a PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) underneath the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry. It is the largest natural gas refining and handling business in India. In the definition, GAIL is included in NSE (National Stock Exchange) and BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange). To accelerate and optimize the effective and economic use of Natural Gas in Industries and CGD to the benefit of the National Economy Objectives og GAIL Distribution & Marketing of Natural Gas Piped Natural Gas for Domestic/ Commercial/ Industrial purposes Setting up of facilities for compression of Natural Gas, laying of the pipelines from City Gate Station(s) to the consumption areas and associated facilities, distribution points/retail outlets for CNG/Auto LPG, transportation of gas through mobile cascades/lorries in the various cities of India and along the national highways for building CNG corridors Building gas business opportunities through participation with Gas Producers/ Strategic partners for the implementation of the downstream distribution projects Development of City Gas Distribution projects Secondary distribution of NG/ RLNG to end consumers GAIL Gas is pursuing City Gas Business in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Vadodara (Gujarat), Haridwar (Uttarakhand), North Goa and Assam through its Joint Ventures. It is also identifying various industrial clusters along the pipeline corridor for distribution of Natural Gas in various states.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) It was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act passed by the Parliament in December 1985. The Authority replaced the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC). Functions of APEDA In accordance with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985, (2 of 1986) the following functions have been assigned to the Authority. Development of industries relating to the scheduled products for export by way of providing financial assistance or otherwise for undertaking surveys and feasibility studies, participation in enquiry capital through joint ventures and other reliefs and subsidy schemes; Registration of persons as exporters of the scheduled products on payment of such fees as may be prescribed; Fixing of standards and specifications for the scheduled products for the purpose of exports; Carrying out inspection of meat and meat products in slaughterhouses, processing plants, storage premises, conveyances or other places where such products are kept or handled for the purpose of ensuring the quality of such products; Improving of packaging of the Scheduled products; Improving of marketing of the Scheduled products outside India; Promotion of export-oriented production and development of the Scheduled products; Collection of statistics from the owners of factories or establishments engaged in the production, processing, packaging, marketing or export of the scheduled products or from such other persons as may be prescribed on any matter relating to the scheduled products and publication of the statistics so collected or of any portions thereof or extracts therefrom; Read Also Maritime domain awareness Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. contact us
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is aimed at incentivising the creation of new employment opportunities during the Covid-19 economic recovery phase. It will provide subsidy for provident fund contribution for adding new employees to establishments registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Any new employee joining employment in EPFO registered establishments on monthly wages less than Rs. 15,000. Significance of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan : The reforms will encourage investments in food processing and together with the infrastructure outlays will contribute in shaping a competitive Agri value chain, reduce wastages and raise farmer incomes. Rs 40,000 crore increase in allocation for MGNREGS to provide employment boost: The Government will now allocate an additional Rs 40,000 crore under MGNREGS. It will help generate nearly 300 crore person days in total addressing need for more work including returning migrant workers in Monsoon season as well. Creation of larger number of durable and livelihood assets including water conservation assets will boost the rural economy through higher production. Increased investments in Public Health and other health reforms to prepare India for future pandemics: Public Expenditure on Health will be increased by investing in grass root health institutions and ramping up Health and Wellness Centres in rural and urban areas. Setting up of Infectious Diseases Hospital Blocks in all districts and strengthening of lab network and surveillance Integrated Public Health Labs in all districts & block level Labs & Public Health Unit to manage pandemics. Further, National Institutional Platform for One health by ICMR will encourage research. And the implementation of National Digital Health Blueprint under the National Digital Health Mission. Technology Driven Education with Equity post-COVID: Public Expenditure on Health will be increased by investing in grass root health institutions and ramping up Health and Wellness Centres in rural and urban areas. Setting up of Infectious Diseases Hospital Blocks in all districts and strengthening of lab network and surveillance by Integrated Public Health Labs in all districts & block level Labs & Public Health Unit to manage pandemics. Further, National Institutional Platform for One health by ICMR will encourage research. And the implementation of National Digital Health Blueprint under the National Digital Health Mission. PM eVIDYA, a programme for multi-mode access to digital/online education to be launched immediately. Manodarpan, an initiative for psycho-social support for students, teachers and families for mental health and emotional well-being to be launched immediately as well. New National Curriculum and Pedagogical framework for school, early childhood and teachers will also be launched. National Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission for ensuring that every child attains Learning levels and outcomes in grade 5 Further enhancement of Ease of Doing Business through IBC related measures: The minimum threshold to initiate insolvency proceedings has been raised to Rs. 1 crore (from Rs. 1 lakh, which largely insulates MSMEs). Special insolvency resolution framework for MSMEs under Section 240A of the Code will be notified soon. Suspension of fresh initiation of insolvency proceedings up to one year, depending upon the pandemic situation. Empowering Central Government to exclude COVID 19 related debt from the definition of “default” under the Code for the purpose of triggering insolvency proceedings. Decriminalisation of Companies Act defaults Decriminalisation of Companies Act violations involving minor technical and procedural defaults such as shortcomings in CSR reporting, inadequacies in Board report, filing defaults, delay in holding of AGM. The Amendments will de-clog the criminal courts and NCLT. 7 compoundable offences altogether dropped and 5 to be dealt with under alternative framework Ease of Doing Business for Corporates: Direct listing of securities by Indian public companies in permissible foreign jurisdictions. Private companies which list NCDs on stock exchanges not to be regarded as listed companies. Including the provisions of Part IXA (Producer Companies) of Companies Act, 1956 in Companies Act, 2013. Power to create additional/ specialized benches for NCLAT Lower penalties for all defaults for Small Companies, One-person Companies, Producer Companies & Start-Ups. Public Sector Enterprise Policy for a New, Self-reliant India: List of strategic sectors requiring the presence of PSEs in the public interest will be notified In strategic sectors, at least one enterprise will remain in the public sector but the private sector will also be allowed In other sectors, PSEs will be privatized (timing to be based on feasibility etc.) To minimise wasteful administrative costs, number of enterprises in strategic sectors will ordinarily be only one to four; others will be privatised/ merged/ brought under holding companies Increase borrowing limits of States from 3% to 5% for 2020-21 only & promoting State-level reforms: Centre has decided to increase borrowing limits of States from 3% to 5% for 2020-21 only. This will give States extra resources of Rs. 4.28 lakh crore. Part of the borrowing will be linked to specific reforms (including recommendations of the Finance Commission). Reform linkage will be in four areas: universalisation of ‘One Nation One Ration card’, Ease of Doing Business, Power distribution and Urban Local Body revenues. A specific scheme will be notified by the Department of Expenditure on the following pattern: Unconditional increase of 0.50% 1% in 4 tranches of 0.25%, with each tranche linked to clearly specified, measurable and feasible reform actions Further 0.50% if milestones are achieved in at least three out of four reform areas Challenges: Lack of Demand Backward and Forward Linkages Burgeoning Fiscal Deficit Difficulty in Mobilising Finances Issues Related to Liquidity Way forward: Holistic Reforms Enhancing Demand Mobilising Finances Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. contact us
Reassessing Export Led Growth Model
Reassessing Export Led Growth Model Export led growth is where a significant part of the expansion of real GDP, jobs and per capita incomes flows from the successful exporting of goods and services from one country to another. India has focused on domestic-demand led growth. But there is no known model of domestic demand/consumption-led growth, anywhere that has delivered quick, sustained, and high rates of economic growth for developing countries. Geo-Economic Scenario: · The changing international environment · Structural Issues Cheap Imports Depopulation, Declining productivity, High debt. Deglobalization. Market-Reforms Way forward: To improve infrastructure Need to build strong domestic demand. Needs to invest in its education, research & innovation capabilities Easy credit Economic Decentralisation Import substitution strategy. Foster innovation Develop skills Reduce barriers to doing business. The ability of India’s export growth to outpace that of the rest of the world— as indeed it has done spectacularly for three decades—will be increasingly constrained. Both exports of manufacturing and services are skill-intensive and becoming more so, and if the quality and quantity of skills available to the economy starts slowing (rising Lewis curve), exports will run into domestic supply 21 constraints Read Also Fiscal Federalism in India Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. JOIN NOW
Keoladeo National Park
The Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park is formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is in Bharathpur District of Rajasthan. It is an important wintering ground of Palaearctic migratory waterfowl and is renowned for its large congregation of non-migratory resident breeding birds. A green wildlife oasis situated within a populated human-dominated landscape, some 375 bird species and a diverse array of other life forms have been recorded in this mosaic of grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps, and wetlands of just 2,873 ha. This ‘Bird Paradise’ was developed in a natural depression wetland that was managed as a duck shooting reserve at the end of the 19th century. While hunting has ceased and the area declared a national park in 1982, its continued existence is dependent on a regulated water supply from a reservoir outside the park boundary. The park’s well-designed system of dykes and sluices provides areas of varying water depths that are used by various avifaunal species. Due to its strategic location in the middle of Central Asian migratory flyway and presence of water, large congregations of ducks, geese, coots, pelicans, and waders arrive in the winter. Keoladeo National Park The park was the only known wintering site of the central population of the critically endangered Siberian Crane, and also serves as a wintering area for other globally threatened species such as the Greater Spotted Eagle and Imperial Eagle. During the breeding season the most spectacular heronry in the region is formed by 15 species of herons, ibis, cormorants, spoonbills, and storks, were in a well-flooded year over 20,000 birds nest. The property has effective legal protection under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the Indian Forest Act, 1927. This is the only park in India that is completely enclosed by a 2 m high boundary wall that minimizes the possibilities of any encroachment and biotic disturbances, but there is no possibility of a buffer zone. As the wetlands of Keoladeo are not natural, they are dependent on the monsoon and on water pumped in from outside, traditionally provided from the “Ajan Bandh” reservoir. The major threats to the property are the water supply (both quantity and quality); invasive vegetation (Prosopis, Eichhornia, Paspalum); and inappropriate use of the property by neighbouring villages.
National Recruitment Agency
National Recruitment Agency The National Recruitment Agency or NRA is an independent body that will conduct examinations for government jobs. The decision to set up the NRA was approved by the Union Cabinet on August 19, 2020. The agency will conduct a Common Eligibility Test for various government jobs. The Centre plans to use the CET score for all recruitments in the future. But, to begin with, this will be implemented only in three sectors. Salient features of National Recruitment Agency. The Common Eligibility Test will be held twice a year. There will be different CETs for graduate level, 12th Pass level and 10th pass level to facilitate recruitment to vacancies at various levels. The CET will be conducted in 12 major Indian languages. This is a major change, as hitherto examinations for recruitment to Central Government jobs were held only in English and Hindi. To begin with, CET will cover recruitments made by three agencies: viz. Staff Selection Commission, Railway Recruitment Board and the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. This will be expanded in a phased manner. CET will be held in 1,000 centres across India in a to bid remove the currently prevalent urban bias. There will be an examination centre in every district of the country. There will be a special thrust on creating examination infrastructure in the 117 aspirational districts. CET will be a first level test to shortlist candidates and the score will be valid for three years. There shall be no restriction on the number of attempts to be taken by a candidate to appear in the CET subject to the upper age limit. Age relaxation for SC/ST and OBC candidates as per existing rules will apply. India – China Relations GS 2 Notes Advantages for students Removes the hassle of appearing in multiple examinations. Single examination fee would reduce the financial burden that multiple exams imposed. Since exams will be held in every district, it would substantially save travel and lodging cost for the candidates. Examination in their own district would encourage more and more women candidates also to apply for government jobs. Applicants are required to register on a single Registration portal. No need to worry about clashing of examination dates. Advantages for Institutions Removes the hassle of conducting preliminary / screening test of candidates. Drastically reduces the recruitment cycle. Brings standardization in the examination pattern. Reduces costs for different recruiting agencies. Rs 600 crore savings expected. The Government also plans to provide outreach and awareness facility to assist candidates in rural and far flung areas to familiarize them with the online examination system. 24×7 helpline will be set up for answering queries, complaints and queries.
Farmer’s Protest
Farmer’s Protest The Farmers’ Produce Trade And Commerce (Promotion And Facilitation) Bill, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill — passed by the Parliament in the recently concluded Monsoon session. Farmer’s objections are mostly against the provisions of the first. And while there is no uniform demand among the protesters or a unified leadership, it emerges that their concerns are mainly about sections relating to “trade area”, “trader”, “dispute resolution” and “market fee” in the first bill. As many as 31 farmers’ organisations, which have different ideologies and leanings, are to fight collectively against these Bills, and the first agenda on their common programme is the ‘Punjab Bandh Call’. The three farm bills seek to: Break the monopoly of government-regulated mandis and allow farmers to sell directly to private buyers. Provide a legal framework for farmers to enter into written contracts with companies and produce for them. Allow agri – bussinesses to stock food articles and remove the government’s ability to impose restrictions arbitrarily. Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs). To create a framework for contract farming. ‘One Nation, One Market’ for agricultural produce. Why the fear? : Mandis bring in revenue for state governments and this will diminish their relevance. Middlemen will be affected. Farmers fear this will end minimum support prices regime. The lack of bargaining power with big companies is a concern. While retail prices have remained high, data from the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) suggest a deceleration in farm gate prices for most agricultural produce. Are the fears valid? : A farmers will have the freedom to choose where he wants to sell but may not have the knowledge to negotiate the best terms with a private company. There is hardly any regulations outside the mandis and no grievences redressal mechanism yet. The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 Main provisions: The new legislation will create an ecosystem where the farmers and traders will enjoy freedom of choice of sale and purchase of agri-produce. It will also promote barrier-free inter-state and intra-state trade and commerce outside the physical premises of markets notified under State Agricultural Produce Marketing legislations. The farmers will not be charged any cess or levy for the sale of their products and will not have to bear transport costs. The Bill also proposes electronic trading in transaction platform for ensuring a seamless trade electronically. In addition to mandis, freedom to do trading at farmgate, cold storage, warehouse, processing units etc. Farmers will be able to engage in direct marketing thereby eliminating intermediaries resulting in full realization of price. Doubts: Procurement at Minimum Support Price will stop If farm produce is sold outside APMC mandis, these will stop functioning What will be the future of government electronic trading portal like e-NAM Clarification : Procurement at Minimum Support Price will continue, farmers can sell their produce at MSP rates, the MSP for Rabi season will be announced next week Mandis will not stop functioning, trading will continue here as before. Under the new system, farmers will have the option to sell their produce at other places in addition to the mandis The e-NAM trading system will also continue in the mandis Trading in farm produce will increase on electronic platforms. It will result in greater transparency and time saving Read Also Minimum Support Price (MSP) The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 Main provisions : The new legislation will empower farmers for engaging with processors, wholesalers, aggregators, wholesalers, large retailers, exporters etc., on a level playing field. Price assurance to farmers even before sowing of crops. In case of higher market price, farmers will be entitled to this price over and above the minimum price. It will transfer the risk of market unpredictability from the farmer to the sponsor. Due to prior price determination, farmers will be shielded from the rise and fall of market prices. It will also enable the farmer to access modern technology, better seed and other inputs. It will reduce cost of marketing and improve income of farmers. Effective dispute resolution mechanism has been provided for with clear time lines for redressal. Impetus to research and new technology in agriculture sector. Doubts : Under contract farming, farmers will be under pressure and they will not be able to determine prices How will small farmers be able to practice contract farming, sponsors will shy away from them The new system will be a problem for farmers In case of dispute, big companies will be at an advantage Clarification: The farmer will have full power in the contract to fix a sale price of his choice for the produce. They will receive payment within maximum 3 days. 10000 Farmer Producer organizations are being formed throughout the country. These FPOs will bring together small farmers and work to ensure remunerative pricing for farm produce After signing contract, farmer will not have seek out traders. The purchasing consumer will pick up the produce directly from the farm In case of dispute, there will be no need to go to court repeatedly. There will be local dispute redressal mechanism. The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020: Regulation of food items: The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 empowers the central government to designate certain commodities (such as food items, fertilizers, and petroleum products) as essential commodities. The central government may regulate or prohibit the production, supply, distribution, trade, and commerce of such essential commodities. The Ordinance provides that the central government may regulate the supply of certain food items including cereals, pulses, potatoes, onions, edible oilseeds, and oils, only under extraordinary circumstances. These include: (i) war, (ii) famine, (iii) extraordinary price rise and (iv) natural calamity of grave nature. Stock limit: The Ordinance requires that imposition of any stock limit on agricultural produce must be based on price rise. A stock limit may be imposed only if there is: (i) a 100% increase in retail price of horticultural produce; and (ii) a 50% increase in
