Mumbai: A week after putting its immediate ban on the sale of loose edible oil on hold, the Maharashtra government has now given traders one year to comply with the new restrictions, effectively deferring enforcement while a transition mechanism is worked out.
The government will extend cooperation wherever necessary to facilitate the adoption of these changes,” Fadnavis is reported to have said during the meeting. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed both committees to consult all stakeholders and submit their recommendations to the government within a month. The move comes amid strong resistance from traders to the government’s decision last month to enforce restrictions on the sale of loose or unpackaged edible oils and fats. “The government does not want to deprive any business of its livelihood.
However, the Maharashtra government revoked the ban on August 24 after intense backlash from traders in the edible oil industry, with several businesses having been in operation for generations. Fadnavis also said the law regulating the sale of loose edible oil was enacted in 2011 and stressed that the quality of edible oil remained the government’s primary concern. emphasis will be placed on creating the necessary facilities so that businesses can operate in a better and safer manner While ensuring compliance with the law.
The state government will constitute two committees to recommend solutions to issues surrounding the sale of loose edible oil and help businesses transition to the regulatory requirements, according to officials aware of the developments. “The state government, therefore, needs to strike a balance between enforcing food-safety norms and addressing the concerns of consumers and traditional traders,” Fadnavis said. The decision was taken at a meeting held by Fadnavis with representatives of the edible oil trading community on Tuesday.
