In the recent past there have been reports in the media that APMCs in Nasik, Maharashtra such as Lasalgaon, Pimpalgaon, etc. may remain close for a period of 7-9 days during the Diwali Festival. To ensure that the supplies of essential commodities are maintained in consumer interest, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India took this up with the Government of Maharashtra. 

In this context, Government of Maharashtra has informed that vide directions dated 12.10.2017, the State Government has issued strict directions to all Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees in the State to carry out the sale-purchase business of agricultural produce of agriculturists without any interruption. The State Government has issued directions under the Maharashtra Agricultural Produce Marketing (Development and Regulation) Act, 1963 that business of sale-purchase of all agricultural produce in Agricultural Produce Market Committees in the State may remain closed, if necessary, during the holidays between 19.10.2017 to 22.10.2017. All the Agricultural Produce Market Committees shall continue with the business of sale-purchase of all agricultural produce on preceding and succeeding days of aforementioned dates. These directions shall be implemented scrupulously by all Agricultural Produce Market Committees. The Director Board of concerned Agricultural Produce Market Committees shall be held responsible for any violation of these directions and any market functionary responsible for closure of business and violation of these directions shall be dealt with under the relevant provisions in the Act. 
 

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