**Executive Summary**
This document comprises a series of notifications from the Government of Tamil Nadu regarding regulations and orders related to essential commodities and consumer protection. It covers amendments to existing orders concerning sugar, kerosene, and essential commodities act. The effective dates vary for each order and amendment, with some changes being effective from October 29, 2016, and others extending until April 28, 2017.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Sugar Regulations (Central Government Order):**
* Extends the validity of the order on removal of licensing requirements, stock limits, and movement restrictions on specific food items, including sugar, until April 28, 2017.
* Sets limits on sugar stock holdings for traders, 10,000 quintals for Kolkata and its extended area, and 5,000 quintals for other areas.
* Exempts sugar held on government account, sugar for distribution under the public distribution system and sugar held by the Food Corporation of India from the stockholding limits.
* The order is effective from 29-10-2016 to 28-4-2017.
**Kerosene Regulations (Tamil Nadu Government Order):**
* Amendments to the Tamil Nadu Kerosene (Regulation of Trade) Order, 1973, include changes to designations of officials:
* "Commissioner" is defined as the Consumer Goods Supply Commissioner, Chennai.
* "Deputy Commissioner of Consumer Goods Supply" is replaced with "Deputy Commissioner of Consumer Goods Supply, Additional Commissioner of Consumer Goods Supply".
* Changes to regulations regarding forfeiture of security deposit or imposing penalty for kerosene traders:
* Provides grounds for forfeiture of deposit/imposing penalty including violation of license conditions.
* Details a table for first, second, and third offenses including imposing a temporary suspension of license, or permanent cancellation.
* The order provides for an appeal within 90 days from the date of receipt.
**Amendments to Essential Commodities Act:**
* Amendments related to Nodal Officer are given, the Commissioner will be required to settle appeal.
**Impact Analysis**
**Wholesale and Retail Sugar Traders:**
* **Impact:** Subject to stockholding limits and regulations concerning sugar handling and movement. Must adhere to licensing requirements, and other guidelines specified.
* **Action Required:** Ensure compliance with the updated regulations to avoid penalties and maintain proper records of stock levels.
**Kerosene Traders:**
* **Impact:** Subject to revised regulations and guidelines regarding trade and distribution of kerosene. Potential for penalties and license suspension based on violations.
* **Action Required:** Review and comply with the amendments made to the Tamil Nadu Kerosene (Regulation of Trade) Order, 1973, to adhere to the changes in officer designations and regulations regarding violations and penalties.
**Government Officials (Consumer Goods Supply Department):**
* **Impact:** Changes in designation and authority related to the enforcement of regulations concerning essential commodities, with some officials receiving an expansion of powers.
* **Action Required:** Update roles and responsibilities in accordance with the updated designations and familiarize themselves with the changes to the kerosene regulations.
**Consumers (Public):**
* **Impact:** Indirectly affected by the regulations on sugar and kerosene, as these measures are intended to ensure fair pricing and availability.
* **Action Required:** No direct action required, but can benefit from increased regulation in consumer goods distribution.
Key Entities Referenced
Essential Commodities Act, 1955: Indian law that establishes control of production, supply, and distribution of essential commodities.
Tamil Nadu Kerosene (Regulation of Trade) Order, 1973: Order by the Governor of Tamil Nadu regulating trade in kerosene.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution: Indian government ministry responsible for food security, consumer protection, and related issues.
Food and Civil Supplies Department: Tamil Nadu State government department responsible for implementing fair price shop schemes and ensuring food security.
Sugar (Control) Order, 1966: Order regulating sugar production, distribution and pricing.