Mumbai: The state government will undertake a special inspection drive to prevent sugar hoarding in keeping with central norms in view of the sharp rise in sugar prices. The food and civil supplies department has issued an order for the verification of stocks held by mills, traders, distributors and industrial consumers.The restrictions, implemented following central government directives, will remain in force until November 30. Under the central norms, traders and distributors, other than government agencies, cannot hold sugar stocks for more than 30 days from the date of receipt. They are also prohibited from holding more than 4,000 quintals, or 400 metric tonnes, of sugar at any given time.According to the state’s directive, traders and distributors have to register on a government portal. Concealment of stock or submission of incorrect information will invite strict action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, including criminal proceedings.Special inspection teams have been constituted at the district level to conduct physical verification at warehouses. In Mumbai and Thane divisions, special teams will function under the respective Rationing Controllers.During inspections, officials will physically count sugar bags stored in warehouses and cross-check stock records with purchase and sale registers, GST returns, transport documents and stock declared on the monitoring portal.Any discrepancy between the declared and actual stock or violation of the prescribed limits will be documented, including through photographs, and legal action will be initiated against those responsible.The government has warned traders and other stakeholders against concealing stocks or engaging in hoarding, stating that strict enforcement will be undertaken to protect consumers and maintain stability in the sugar market.
