Govt takes note of allegations on overseas hoarding of pulses

New Delhi: The government has received a representation alleging hoarding of pulses by big traders and importers in "a foreign country", Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

"A representation alleging hoarding of pulses by big traders/importers in foreign country has been received," Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said in a reply to Lok Sabha.

"Under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the Prevention of Black-marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980, action can be taken against domestic hoarding only," he added.

Paswan was replying to a query on 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.

The advisories for strict action against hoarding and blackmarketing have been issued to all states/Union Territories.

In reply to a separate query, Paswan said that over 1.30 lakh tonnes of pulses have been seized during 14,134 raids conducted across 14 states.

Out of the total pulse stocks seized, 51,732.27 tonnes have been disposed of so far in the market.

The government, he said, is not considering any proposal to constitute a specialised body to track and check food prices.

Pulse prices are still ruling high despite several government measures as there is a domestic shortage due to fall in production by 2 million tonnes in 2014-15 crop year (July-June) on account of poor monsoon.