(a) whether the Government has taken note of the fact that the "Confederation of All India traders" has held big retail companies responsible for the current scarcity of pulses; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government against such big retail companies?
THE MINISTER FOR
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)
(a) & (b): A representation alleging hording of pulses by big traders / importers in foreign country has been received. Under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 & the Prevention of Black-marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980 action can be taken against domestic hoarding only. Advisories for strict action against hoarding and blackmarketing have already been issued to all States/UTs.
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