Odisha govt asks collectors to act against dal hoarders

Sambad English Bureau Published On : May 6, 2015 at 9:51 PM Updated On : May 6, 2015 at 9:52 PM

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, May 6:

Madhusudan Padhi, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department (FS&CWD) of Odisha Government today wrote to all the collectors of the state asking them to contain the spiralling prices of different dals (pulses) in the open market and take action against the hoarders.

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Padhi, in his letter, cited unseasonal rainfall in major pulse growing states like Maharastra, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh as the reason for the limited supply of dals and the rise in their prices.

“I am to bring to your notice that the prices of different dais like Arhar dal, Biri dal, Mung dal, But dal & Masur dal are in rising trend in the market. Since these are procured from other states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh etc, the prices at source mandies influence the prices at domestic markets of the state. It is learnt that the production of pulses has been reduced to 40% this year due to unseasonal rains in the aforesaid States and as a result, supply has reduced,” wrote Padhi.

He also suggested that unscrupulous traders may resort to high profiteering and sell these essential commodities at exorbitant prices during this phase adding to the price rise. Arguing that this would put a huge financial burden on the public and would result in public discontentment, Padhi emphasised the need to contain the trend by taking strong action.

“The Civil Supplies and Market Intelligence field functionaries under your control may be instructed to inspect both the wholesale and retail business premises to track the price line till normal situation restores. The unscrupulous traders may be booked under the Essential Commodities Act & on grounds of Stock holding limit order violations. Action may be taken at the earliest and intimated to the department for information of government,” Padhi added.

Apart from taking action, he also requested the collectors to convene a meeting of the traders in every district and ensure availability of the dals to the consumers after reasonable margin over cost, transport & taxes.