In an effort to promote price stability and prevent hoarding, the Centre has called upon state governments to closely monitor the prices and stock positions of Tur and Urad. This call was made during a meeting chaired by Nidhi Khare, the Additional Secretary in the Consumer Affairs Ministry, which aimed to review stock disclosure of these pulses and the implementation of stock limits by state governments.
Representatives from the state food and civil supplies departments, the central warehousing corporation (CWC), and state warehousing corporations (SWCs) were present at the meeting to discuss the issue. The Department of Consumer Affairs had previously invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 on June 2, 2023, imposing stock limits on Tur and Urad to prevent hoarding and ensure affordability for consumers.
The meeting focused on examining the retail prices and disclosed quantities of stocks by various entities, as well as the stock levels in CWC and SWC warehouses. The states were also briefed on the actions taken to address any discrepancies between the quantities pledged by market players with banks and those declared on the stock disclosure portal. The enforcement of stock limits was a significant aspect discussed, with state governments being urged to take strict action against any violators.
A press release highlighted that the stock limit order was the result of various measures taken by the Department of Consumer Affairs to ensure the affordability of Tur dal and Urad dal for consumers, starting with the stock declaration advisory.
According to the stock limit order, which is applicable to all states and Union Territories until October 31, 2023, wholesalers are required to adhere to a limit of 200 metric tons (MT), while retailers are restricted to 5 MT. Retail outlets must maintain 5 MT each, whereas major chain retailers are expected to keep 200 MT at their depots.
Millers, on the other hand, are required to maintain stock levels equivalent to the last three months of production or 25% of their annual installed capacity, whichever is higher. All entities falling under these categories are mandated to declare their stock positions on the Department's portal (https://fcainfoweb.nic.in/psp).
Nidhi Khare, the Additional Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, highlighted the significance of the stock limit order in maintaining the affordability of Tur and Urad dal for consumers. She emphasized that the stock limit order on Tur and Urad dal plays a vital role in preventing hoarding and enhancing the availability of these pulses to consumers. She urged state governments to actively monitor prices, verify stock positions, and take stringent action against individuals who violate the stock limits order.
