Maharashtra News: Maharashtra government has taken a big step related to the retail oil traders and general public of the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced to give temporary relaxation of one year to the traders in the rules related to ban on sale of loose oil. After this decision, small and traditional grocery traders across the state have heaved a sigh of relief. The Chief Minister has made it clear that there will be no compromise on the purity and quality of edible oil, but keeping in mind the ground reality, traders are being given time to make necessary changes.
Consensus reached in meeting with traders
This entire matter was resolved when a delegation of oil businessmen met the Chief Minister and presented their practical problems before him. Traders said that suddenly imposing a complete ban on loose oil would not only ruin their traditional business but would also have a huge impact on the pockets of common people. The Chief Minister listened to his words seriously and accepted that along with enforcing the law, it is also the responsibility of the government to protect the livelihood of businessmen.
Took care of the needs of the poor class
During the discussion, the Chief Minister admitted that even today there is a large section of the country and the state which, due to their limited income, is unable to buy expensive oil in big packets or cans. This section buys loose oil in small quantities from shops as per daily needs. If the sale of loose oil is completely banned, then such poor families will face a big financial crisis. Therefore, while maintaining a balance, this temporary extension has been given for the convenience of the common man and in the interest of traders.
Quality and law both important
The Chief Minister said that the Central Government had made a strict law regarding the sale of loose edible oil in the year 2011 itself. There is always a possibility of adulteration in open oil, which can harm people's health. Therefore maintaining the quality of the oil is most important. The purpose of the law is to protect people from adulterated goods and the government will not back down from this objective. However, the way the rules are implemented should be such that no one is harmed.
Joint Committee of FDA and Traders
To properly implement the rules, the government has decided to form a joint committee of Food and Drugs Administration and business representatives. This committee will together decide what kind of technical and structural changes the conventional oil traders will have to make in their business according to the new rules. The committee will find practical ways by which small traders can easily adopt packaging and hygiene standards.
Government will help businessmen
Small shopkeepers may have to face many economic and technical challenges in adapting their traditional business to modern standards. Keeping this in mind, the Chief Minister has assured that the government will provide all possible assistance to the traders if needed. The government will endeavor to ensure that no small businessman becomes unemployed in this period of change and his work continues smoothly.
No extra time will be available after one year
The government has made it clear that this relief is only for one year and it will not be extended further under any circumstances. The Chief Minister said in strong words that as soon as the one year period ends, all businessmen will have to follow the law completely. Traders will have to improve their functioning within this time limit, so that after one year only quality and safe edible oil can be sold in the state.
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