Sugar industry fears return of old controls through government's proposed new rules

26-Aug-2024 02:21 PM

New Delhi. The indigenous sugar industry fears that the new rules proposed by the government may lead to return of old controls.

An important meeting of all associations and organizations is going to be held before the September deadline to seriously discuss this issue and give a uniform response.

A section of the sugar industry fears that through the draft prepared for amendment in the nearly six decade old rules and regulations related to sugar production, storage and price, some controls and restrictions may be re-imposed,

which may create problems for the industry. On the demand of the industry, the government had gradually started removing these controls.

Industry critics believe that these new rules are against the recommendations of the Rangarajan Committee.

In its report, the committee had suggested freeing the sugar sector from some years old regressive rules and controls.

It is noteworthy that the Union Ministry of Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution has prepared a draft called 'The Sugar (Control) Order 2024',

which states that technological upgradation in the production process has been increased as per requirement and this draft proposal will repeal the currently prevalent Sugar (Control) Order, 1966.

The National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories has planned to organize a convention for serious discussions at the national level with all similar associations and organizations.

This draft of the government is questionable and hence all the organizations will present their views on it unanimously.

The government has invited the opinion of the concerned parties on this draft by 23 September 2024.

It is understood that there are many controversial points in this proposed draft which the sugar industry would not like to accept.