Question : Hoarded Pulses

(a) whether a huge quantity of hoarded pulses have been recovered from the traders in various States and if so, the details thereof indicating the number of raids/searches conducted and pulses seized, pulse and State-wise;

(b) whether the Government proposes to sell these pulses in open market/PDS to check prices and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether some States including Maharashtra have decided to make the hoarders from whom these pulses were seized to sell them and if so, the details thereof and the benefits likely to accrue therefrom;

(d) whether the Government has assessed the quantum of pulses required to be imported, if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon; and

(e) the steps taken to ensure that importers do not spike the prices?

THE MINISTER FOR
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)

(a) : The details are as per Annexure-I;

(b) : The seized quantity is to be disposed according to the provisions of Section 6 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, by the enforcement officers in the districts concerned;

(c) : In Maharashtra, the seized quantities of pulses are being released to the concerned importers/traders against indemnity bond with the condition to sell the same at Rs. 100/- per kg within Maharashtra. This decision will help to improve the supply situation and bring down the prices of pulses in Maharashtra;

(d) : The Government decided to import pulses through MMTC under the Price Stabilization Fund. MMTC imported 5000 MT of Tur Dal. The stock was offered to the States at Rs. 69/- per kg. A total of 4927 MT Tur Dal has been received and allocated to the States as per Annexure-II;

(e) : Action against hoarding and blackmarketing is to be taken by the State Governments. Government of India has already empowered the States to enforce stock limits on pulses and undertake effective anti-hoarding operations.
*****