The West Bengal Anti-Profiteering (Amendment) Bill, 2010 will be tabled in the House during the current Budget Session to add teeth to the original Act enacted in 1958, which does not have adequate provisions to penalise those who stockpile foodgrains and other essential commodities.

The state food and supplies department has prepared the Bill with separate clauses to intensify the drive against those dealers who store scheduled items illegally for profiteering. The Bill proposes up to two years of rigorous imprisonment for illegal storing.

Minister for Food and Supplies Paresh Chandra Adhikary said the government has proposed the amendment to the Act to combat the rising prices of some essential food items. He said the government has taken steps to maintain supplies of essential commodities and their equal distribution and availability at fair prices.

“In spite of our best efforts, rise in essential food prices could not be checked; rather, there is a gradual trend of increase. Under these circumstances, it has become necessary and expedient to amend the Act,” said Adhikary.

Sources in food and supplies department said according to the current Act, a wholesaler can be booked but there was no provision for penalising those who store goods apart from their own consumption. Once the Act is amended, such “storager” can also be booked.