Invoke emergency powers for seamless essential services, Centre directs states

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday directed all states and union territories to invoke emergency powers under the Civil Defence Rules, 1968. These powers enable civil defence authorities to make urgent procurements in case of an emergency.

In a related development, the Food and Public Distribution Ministry emphasised that there was no shortage of essential commodities in the country. Sources said the Centre’s measures aimed at allaying public fears regarding shortages while empowering civil defence authorities to ensure the availability of vital services in the event of a hostile attack.

The directives followed reports from various regions, particularly border towns and cities, of people engaging in panic buying of essential food items and fuel, leading to long queues at petrol stations.

In a communication to all chief secretaries, Vivek Srivastava, Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, said preparedness against hostile attacks came under the Civil Defence Act and Rules, 1968. He cited Section 11 of the rules that empowered states to take necessary measures to protect people and property as well as maintain essential services during an attack.

The communique said the states and UTs could invoke Section 11 to grant emergency procurement powers to their respective Civil Defence Directors for swift implementation of precautionary measures. In a communication to the chief secretaries of all states and Union territories, Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards Vivek Srivastava said preparing the civil administration and adopting precautionary measures against hostile attacks in the states and Union territories are governed by the Civil Defence Act and Rules, 1968.

This comes as India remains on high alert along its western borders following Pakistan’s attempted retaliation to India’s Operation Sindoor. The Civil Defence Rules, 1968, framed under the Civil Defence Act, were designed to prepare India’s civilian population and infrastructure for hostile attacks. The rules grant sweeping powers to the Centre and state governments to take preventive, protective and control measures before, during, and after such events.

Meanwhile, Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi assured in a social media post that there are adequate supplies of essential commodities like edible oils, pulses, and sugar. He warned against propaganda about food shortages, stating, “Don’t believe in propaganda messages regarding food stocks in the country. We have ample food stocks, far exceeding required norms. Don’t pay heed to such messages.” He also cautioned traders against hoarding, warning of legal action under the Essential Commodities Act.

The current rice stock stands at 356.42 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) against a buffer norm of 135 LMT. Similarly, wheat stock is at 383.32 LMT against a buffer norm of 276 LMT. These figures indicate that there is a strong surplus over the required buffer norms, ensuring nationwide food security.

Nation