Delhi Government has done away with the stocking limit on pulses to keep prices under control. Various grain associations had been requesting the Delhi Government to remove such limits “as the traders and millers were finding it difficult” to stock and dispose the pulses in the prescribed time limits and quantities. “The associations had been contending that such practices were leading to artificial spiraling of prices of pulses in market in uncompetitive way,” read a statement from the Government.
The Delhi Grain Merchant Association led by JK Goyal on Monday thanked Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Imran Hussain for removing the stock limits on pulses in Delhi.
“In the past, the stock limits were a necessity due to limited supply of pulses and to check undesirable and unhealthy practices of hoarding and black-marketing. The Central Government has also been intervening from time to time in order to prevent such unwarranted activities.”
The Centre had also recently asked various State Governments, including the Delhi Government, to consider removal of stock limits on pulses.
The Minister informed that after detailed deliberations with various stakeholders by the CM, including various grain merchant associations spearheaded by JK Goyal and with the Department of Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, it was decided to do away with the imposition of stock limits for pulses in Delhi.
“This move will help the citizens of Delhi in purchasing pulses at affordable prices.” The Minister observed that decision to remove the stock limits of pulses will help in smooth supply and availability of pulses and is expected to help in bringing down the retail prices by allowing free inter-play of market forces.
The Minister also asked pulse millers, traders, stockists and retailers to ensure the availability of pulses to the general public at competitive and affordable prices.