In a major revision in food licence rules, from November 1, 2020, food traders in Rajasthan will have to knock the doors of Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI), New Delhi for food licences. At the same time, several conditions have been added to the inclusion of papad, Bhujia, Rasgulla, Kachori, snacks and sweets trade in the Padharadhanpara Act.
A Kachori-making shop should have employees with a BSc Chemistry degree to get a food licence. The annual licence fee will have to be Rs. 7500 thousand instead of Rs. 100. Similar rules will apply to every papad and rasgulla traders.
According to a report in a Hindi news portal, Dwarka Prasad, chairman, District Industries Association, Bikaner has opposed the new order. He told that due to the lockdown, there had been a crisis in micro and small industries. After this order, new licence numbers have to be taken which is not possible for small traders.
FSSAI consultant, Manish Nahta said, “This order will make small traders slaves to big franchises. The smallest shops are to make Kachori. A Kachori-making will first have to apply online by paying a fee of Rs 7,500. He will have to appoint a technical charge to the young man who will examine every goods made of him. The report will have to be submitted by giving Rs 4-5 thousand to the water test.”
So far, the trader who produced less than 2,000 kg of goods annually could give food licences to the medical and health officer of each district. On production of 2,000 kg per annum, the licensing process was from FSSAI, New Delhi. This order will not disturb the big traders. Less than 2,000 kg, the trader who has less turnover of goods annually, will now have to take new licences.
