Policy Roundup – Highlights From Key Announcements This Week

Last Updated on Aug 26, 2022 by Anjali Chourasiya

During the past week, the Centre has come out with several policy measures related to consumer protection, battery disposal, textiles, and health coverage for transgenders, among others. Here’s a quick roundup of these policy announcements.

Table of Contents

1. Control on the export of wheat flour

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal for the amendment of the policy of exemption for Wheat or Meslin Flour from export restrictions/ban.

The approval will now put a restriction on the export of wheat flour, which will curb the rising prices of wheat flour and ensure the food security of the most vulnerable sections of society.
Russia and Ukraine are the major wheat exporters, accounting for around 1/4th of the global wheat trade. The conflict between them led to the global wheat supply chain disruptions increasing the demand for Indian wheat.

2. Norms for edible oil manufacturers

The Centre has advised Edible Oil Manufacturers/Packers/Importers to declare the net quantity of ghee, vanaspati, and other edible oil sold. It is now mandatory to declare the net quantity in terms of standard units of weight or measure apart from other declarations on all pre-packaged commodities in the interest of consumers.

3. Overseas investment rules framed

In line with the amendment in Foreign Exchange Management Act 2015, Outward Investments Rules have been framed by the Government of India in consultation with the Reserve Bank.

Clarity on Overseas Direct Investment and Overseas Portfolio Investment has been brought in. Various overseas investment-related transactions that were earlier under the approval route are now under the automatic route to enhance “Ease of Doing Business”.

4. New rules on used battery disposal

The Union Environment Ministry has notified new rules to ensure environmentally sound management of used batteries. Under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) concept, the producers (including importers) are responsible for the collection and recycling/refurbishment of waste batteries and the use of recovered material in new batteries.

The new rules replace the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001, and apply to all types of batteries except those used in equipment that protects essential security interests.

5. Mandatory information requirements change for the garment sector

The Department of Consumer Affairs has received various representations for exempting the garment or hosiery sold loose or open at the point of sale for ease of doing business. These garments no longer require ‘best before use’ and ‘consumer care address’, among other disclosures printed on the packaging.

The following information must be provided: MRP, sizes in globally recognised indicators with details in centimetres or metres, customer care email ID and phone number.
Additionally, information like the name and address of the manufacturer/marketer/brand owner/importer with the country of origin must be provided as well.

6. Branding Indian silk

Union State Minister of Textiles Darshna Jardosh announced that the Central Silk Board has ushered in a new regime to ensure that silk products carry specific markings about their contents.

She said a scheme had been introduced in the name of Silk Mark by the Silk Mark Organisation of India towards the generic promotion of silk and building brand equity at home and abroad.

7. Health package for transgenders

An MOU was signed on Thursday between National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment to provide an inclusive and composite health package for Transgender Persons under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY.

8. Boost for biotech initiatives

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Thursday announced 75 Amrit Grants for Biotech initiatives involving startups, industry, academia and research bodies in integrated collaboration.

He said they could form Team Science Grant in a Public-Private Partnership mode to avail the grant of Rs. 10-15 cr. over a period of two to three years for inter-disciplinary, high-quality research.
He also said India’s bioeconomy will grow from $70 bn to $150 bn by 2025, and this can only be achieved with the active participation of all the stakeholders in the biotechnology sector.

9. Private entrepreneurs in mineral exploration

Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi has said that the Centre is making sustained efforts to attract more private entrepreneurs into mineral exploration. “Mineral exploration will be carried out without adverse environmental impact through enhanced use of drones and other latest technologies,” he said.

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