Cabinet secy reviews prices of essential commodities

The Cabinet secretary reviewed the prices of essential commodities at a meeting with secretaries of consumer affairs, agriculture, food & public distribution, commerce and expenditure on Friday, and directed them to keep a close watch on the prices.

They have also been asked to work in close coordination with the states, an official statement released after the meeting said. The meeting was called especially to review the prices of onions and pulses, which have seen a sharp rise in the past few weeks owing to uneven weather.

“It was observed that the recent measures taken by the Centre like increase in minimum export price of onions, and extending stock limits and import of 2,000 tonnes of onions have reined in the prices of onions, which are showing a declining trend,” the statement noted.

On pulses, the statement said the stock limit on pulses has been extended till September 30, 2016; the zero import duty regime has also been extended for another year. That apart, the Centre has started the import of 5,000 tonnes of pulses to increase availability and bring down prices. Of this, 3,250 tonnes of tur have arrived.

Around 2,000 tonnes of extra pulses are being imported to cool down prices, the statement added.

In Delhi, Kendriya Bhandar and Safal would be lifting imported tur dal and supplying the same through their 400 outlets at cheap rates.

Other states have also been allotted imported pulses according to their requirement; they have been directed to enforce stock limits and take action against hoarding and black-marketing of essential commodities, especially pulses.

As part of its long-term measure, the Food Corporation of India has been mandated to procure pulses at minimum support price and build a buffer stock for effective market intervention.