No sale of acid without photo ID proof in Maharashtra

* Maharashtra Government proposes ‘compulsory checking’ of students/personnel leaving laboratories where acid is used or stored

By Kartik Lokhande

Taking a serious cognisance of a number of acid attacks in the State, Maharashtra Government has decided to place acid in the category of ‘poison’ and has prepared a draft of amendments proposed to 42-years-old Maharashtra Poison Rules. As per the draft, there will be no sale of acid or anything categorised as ‘poison’ without photo identity proof. Besides, it is proposed to make ‘compulsory checking’ of students/personnel leaving the laboratories or places where acid is used or stored.

It is proposed that acid or any poison will not be dispensed except by a qualified person holding degree in Chemistry or diploma in Chemical Technology, or a person with HSC in Science and having practical experience of at least four years in dispensing chemicals or poisonous substances. This will make it mandatory for those in sale/dispensing of poisons or acid for any purposes to appoint persons with the said qualifications.

As per the draft of the amendments released by Medical Education and Drugs Department, sale of acid/poison is banned without photo identity card with address and proof to support the same. Besides, acid/poison will not be sold to a person below the age of 18 years. It is proposed to make it mandatory for a seller of acid/poison to ascertain name, address, telephone number of a purchaser as well as the purpose of purchase. Thus, the suppliers of chemicals to laboratories and other establishments will have to maintain a register with all details of purchasers. This clause has been introduced to ensure that no sale of acid/poisonous substance is effected without details of purchaser.

Considering that the acid attack cases involved many youngsters and teenagers, the sale of acid/poison to persons below the age of 18 years is proposed to be banned. Further, as it came to fore that in a few cases, youngsters had pilfered acid from laboratories of their educational institutions, ‘compulsory checking’ of students/personnel leaving laboratories is proposed. Of course, the draft of the amendments will be finalised only after inviting suggestions/objections from the people. Medical Education and Drugs Department Secretary Manisha Patankar-Mhaiskar has invited suggestions/objections to the draft till July 25. 

(Published on July 16, 2014) 

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