House sets up panel to suggest changes in adulteration laws

NEW DELHI: The Assembly on Monday set up a committee to look into the issue of adulteration in food products and suggest changes in the related laws.

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Rajesh Rishi from Jankapuri claimed that synthetic milk is being supplied in the city, which is allegedly “damaging kidneys and liver” of people.

MLAS of both the ruling AAP and the Opposition BJP supported the issue and sought strict action against those involved in adulteration.

Subsequently, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain told the House, “I am issuing an order today to my department to conduct inspections of milk products on a daily basis and submit reports to my office.”

Speaker Ram Niwas Goel announced the formation of a seven-member committee, comprising AAP MLAS Adarsh Shastri, Alka Lamba, Anil Bajpai, Nitin Tyagi, SK Bagga and Madan Lal, and BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

Goel said the committee will work in coordination with the Assembly panel on health and suggest amendments to existing laws to ensure stern action against the culprits.

Jain told the House there was a need of procedural suggestions. “There aren’t any problems in the law per se. There is a huge problem in the implementation,” he stated, adding that there was no fear among those committing adulteration because “actions are not being taken against the majority of them”.

Jain added that the committee’s suggestions could later be sent to the Centre for approval, adding that the government will table a draft bill in the House and send the same to the Centre for its nod.