NEW DELHI, 15 June 2023: The Central government has directed state governments to maintain continuous monitoring of Tur and Urad prices and take strict action against any violations of stock limits. In a meeting chaired by Smt. Nidhi Khare, Additional Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, officials from State Food and Civil Supplies Departments, Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), and State Warehousing Corporations (SWCs) gathered to review the stock disclosure of Tur and Urad.
The meeting focused on examining the retail prices, stock quantities disclosed by various entities, and stocks held in CWC and SWC warehouses for Tur and Urad. The states were also questioned about their actions in verifying discrepancies between quantities pledged by market players with banks and quantities declared on the stock disclosure portal, as well as enforcing stock limits. To ensure transparency, CWC and SWCs were requested to regularly provide details of Tur and Urad stocks in their respective warehouses.
The stock limits for Tur and Urad, applicable until October 31, 2023, have been set for wholesalers, retailers, retail outlets, big chain retailers, and millers. Entities are required to declare their stock positions on the Department's portal. The imposition of stock limits aims to prevent hoarding, curb speculation, and enhance affordability for consumers.
This stock limit order follows various measures undertaken by the Department of Consumer Affairs to ensure the affordability of Tur dal and Urad dal for consumers. In March 2023, a committee was established to monitor stocks of Tur, and multiple meetings were held with state governments, importers, millers, and retail chains to collaborate in achieving the objective. Senior officers were also dispatched to assess the situation in key states.
The government's concerted efforts seek to stabilize prices and facilitate access to essential pulses, benefiting consumers across the country.
