Against the backdrop of prices of Chana and Sugar still not being contained despite Government’s efforts, Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha on Wednesday held a high level review meet and directed officials to use the postal network for their distribution besides explore options to check the prices of both the commodities.
During the high-level meeting with Secretaries of Consumer Affairs, Agriculture, Food and Public Distribution, Commerce, Expenditure and others, it was observed that though the recent measures taken by the Central Government have helped containing prices of most of the pulses and other essential commodities but Chana Dal and Sugar still remain a challenge for the Government.
In an attempt to check surge in pricing of the pulses the government is mulling several options. The Cabinet Secretary directed Department of Consumer Affairs to use postal network for the distribution of the Chana Dal and other pulses. Consumer Affairs Secretary was also asked to pursue states to impose stock limits and to carry dehoarding drives to ensure availability of all the essential commodities during the festival season.
The meeting also reviewed distribution of pulses to the State Government from the buffer stock.
The Government is making several efforts to meet the shortage of pulses. Recently there have been tie up with African countries for a long term supply of pulses. During the meetings of BRICS Agriculture Ministers, India sought assistance from member countries to meet production shortfall in crops like pulses and oilseeds.