Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 27: Associated Chamber of Traders Federation and Federation of Retailers Association organized an interactive session on Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 with the Health and Horticulture Minister, Sham Lal Sharma here today.
M K Bhan from Central PFA unit, Ministry of Health (GOI) was also present during the session. Yash Paul Gupta, who is heading both the organizations, in his welcome address, apprised about the problems being faced by the trading community on the implementation of this Act. He pointed out that rules and regulations in this concern have been framed without creating proper awareness and without sufficient consultation with the stake holders.
Mr Gupta pointed out that business in food items is being done in the State by the educated, semi-educated and even the uneducated people. The rules framed are so harsh, strict and punitive in some cases that they will not only debar most of the traders in the field from doing their business but will also open flood gate for the ‘Inspector Raj’ and corruption. There is a wave of opposition against this Act through out the country and it is needed to be amended. The Government should put this Act on hold till theAmendment is made. Mr Gupta also stressed for awareness among the trading community in this regard.
The minister assured the gathering that no innocent trader will be harassed by the officers. He said voluntary compliance is the best method to deal with such cases. He also asked the traders to cooperate with the concerned authorities. Dr Vinod Sharma Health Officer ( JMC), Amar Singh Jt Controller, Manoj Parbhakar Dy Controller Legal Metrology and Sanjeev Gupta Assistant Food Controller were also present on the occasion.
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