NEW DELHI, OCT 20, 2015: THE Government reviewed the imposition of stock limits and the enforcement measures taken by States to check hoarding of pulses in a meeting here today. The amendment has been made in the Central Order under Essential Commodities Act to enable States to impose stock limits on pulses sourced from imports, held by exporters, large food processing units as well as large departmental retailers. The States were exhorted to carryout surprise inspections and raids to prevent hoarding of pulses.

These measures including inspections carried out on dealers/stockists of pulses and raids against those who are violating stock limits and indulging in hoarding, have begun to show results.

In Maharastra raids have been conducted in Mumbai, Aurangabad, Pune, Amravati, Nasik, and Nagpur. Similarly, in Karnataka inspections were carried out in Mysore district resulting in recovery of 3600 quintals of pulses. Raids have also been carried out in Bengaluru. In Madhya Pradesh raids were conducted in 25 locations resulting in seizure of 2295 metric tons of pulses. In Telengana, 1820 raids have been conducted which resulted in seizure of 2546 metric tons of pulses. Andhra Pradesh Government has seized 600 metric tons of pulses in 56 raids conducted. Rajasthan Government has also intensified enforcement of stock limits. Similar enforcement action against hoarding and black-marketing is also being taken in other States.

Government of India continued with the efforts to moderate the prices of pulses. Imported pulses have been allocated to Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as per their requests received. Other States have also been asked again to indicate their immediate requirements of pulses from the imported stocks for distribution through retail outlets.

Meanwhile, Government of India has increased the retail distribution of tur dal at the rate of Rs 120/- per kg through nearly 500 outlets of Kendriya Bhandar and Safal in and around Delhi and other locations.

All of these measures are expected to improve supply position and arrival of pulses in the market thereby moderating the prices of pulses.