Punjab establishes a body to control commodities prices, management

INDIA – The Punjab government, a state in northwestern India, has established the Punjab Price Control and Commodities Management Department (PCCMD), a step towards improving food security and commodity management across the province.

This newly created body replaces the existing Food Department and consolidates various authorities from different departments under one central body, streamlining the oversight of food and essential commodities.

Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti has been appointed as the first secretary of the PCCMD. This department will now have full administrative control over the Punjab Food Authority and the Agriculture Marketing Regulatory Authority, previously managed by the Food and Industries Departments.

The move follows amendments to the Rules of Business 2011, signaling a major structural shift in how the province manages its food and commodity resources.

The PCCMD’s responsibilities are broad, ranging from food security legislation and policy development to the management of commodity supply chains.

The department is tasked with overseeing wheat procurement, storage, and distribution, an essential function for a province that heavily depends on agriculture. Additionally, it will regulate food safety, hygiene standards, and business practices within the food industry.

Another major focus of the department is on flour and sugar mills, which are critical to the food supply chain in Punjab.

The PCCMD will manage contractor registrations and monitor the prices of essential goods, including food grains, to prevent hoarding and ensure market stability. The department will also regulate inter-provincial trade, further enhancing its control over the flow of essential goods across Punjab’s borders.

The introduction of a comprehensive consumer protection framework is a key aspect of the PCCMD’s work. It will protect consumers by establishing consumer protection councils, tasked with addressing grievances and ensuring fair practices in the marketplace.

Data-driven supply chain management

A key responsibility of the PCCMD is to maintain a comprehensive database to track the demand and supply of essential commodities.

By taking into account factors such as seasonal changes, market conditions, and consumption trends, the department aims to ensure that shortages are minimized and price volatility is controlled. This data-driven approach will support the government’s planning and economic policies related to food security.

The PCCMD will also work on developing efficient supply chain management systems to ensure smooth distribution, and it plans to conduct economic studies to inform its policies.

These studies will guide the government in making informed decisions on commodity pricing and market interventions, helping stabilize the economy during periods of inflation or scarcity.

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