Select the option that is true regarding the following two statements labelled Assertion and Reason. Assertion (A): The Essential Commodities Act, 1955, is an act that was established in the interest of the general public, for the control of the production, supply and distribution of, and trade and commerce, in certain commodities. Reason (R): Essential Commodities Act was enacted to ensure the supply of essential commodities like foodstuff, drugs, fuel, etc., which if obstructed due to hoarding or black marketing, would affect the normal life of the people.

Correct option is A

Assertion (A) is true: The Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955 was enacted by the Government of India to regulate the production, supply, and distribution of essential commodities in order to safeguard public interest.
Reason (R) is also true: The Act was specifically designed to prevent hoarding, black marketing, and profiteering, which disrupt the availability of essential goods such as food grains, drugs, and fuels. Ensuring uninterrupted supply was necessary for maintaining normal life and public welfare.
Since the reason clearly explains the purpose behind the assertion, both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option (a).