Madhya Pradesh Essential Commodities Traders (Stock limit and Prohibition on Hoarding) Order 2015 was issued on October 17 to control unprecedented increase in prices of tuar, urad, moong and masoor pulses in the state. Through the order, stock for wholesale traders of all kinds of pulses has been limited to 2000 quintals in “A” Category cities, 1000 quintals in “B” Category cities and 500 quintals in other areas. Maximum limit for retail sellers is 50 quintals in “A” and “B” Category cities and 40 quintals in other areas.
Apart from above mentioned provisions, wholesalers of pulses should also maintain daily stock registers, pucca bills of sale and purchase and receipts issued by Mandi. These documents will be produced by traders during inspection. Every trader should display lists of stock and prices of pulses at entry gate or any other easily visible place at his establishment. Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Departments has urged traders to complete process of maintaining documents and updating accounts of stock as per provisions of the control order within 3 days. After period of 3 days, strict action as per rules will be taken against traders for keeping stocks more than limit and not maintaining records.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had enquired about increasing prices of pulses on Saturday and directed to immediately apply the provisions of the Stock limit And Control Order. Strict action should be taken against the traders involved in black-marketing and hoarding, he added.
He directed all collectors to launch enquiry against hoarders of pulses and ensure strict action if the malpractice is proved.