launching a crackdown against hoarders under the Essential Services Maintenance (ESMA) Act 1955, the Delhi Government on Friday raided and confiscated the stock of two godowns in Siraspur and Alipur areas, State Food & Civil Supplies Minister Asim Ahmad Khan said. Four teams, each headed by Assistant Commissioner (Food & Supply), were deputed to check the stock limit of pulses in the four godowns of the area, out of which two had stock of pulses beyond the prescribed limit (2,000 quintals). One godown had 21,495 quintals, of pulses stock, while the other had 5,000 quintals.
Referring to the seized stock, the Minister said, “It is sufficient to supply the national Capital for five days.” He added, “The raids were part of drive by the Delhi Government to ensure that pulses are available to the common man at affordable rates.” The Collector of the District has already seized the stock and is initiating appropriate action under the ECA, 1955 against the two erring dealers, including filing an FIR.