Maharashtra Government approves ordinance to amend MPDA Act, 1981

Maharashtra Government has decided to take ordinance route to amend Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act, 1981.
Decision in this regard was taken in State Cabinet meeting by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.
Key provisions of ordinance

• Illegal sand mining has been made non–bailable offence. Sand smuggling as well as smugglers will be added in the section II of the Act.
• Culprits arrested in illegal sand mining cases will not get bail for one year after their arrest.
• Tampering of the public distribution system (PDS) mechanism and foodgrain mafias will be brought under the ambit of this Act. Offences under it will be made non–bailable.

Presently, the act covers drug offenders, slumlords, bootleggers and video pirates under its ambit to prevent the disruptive activities. These amendment will enable state government to act against the sand mafias and food-grain mafias.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2015