New Delhi: In a significant move, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved for extension of validity of central order for a further period of one year in respect of pulses, edible oils and edible oilseeds.
The cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the proposal for the extension of the order dated 30.9.2014 for further one year from Oct 1, 2015 to Sept 30, 2016.
This will enable States to regulate trade of these essential commodities and to continue to take effective operations under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. They can impose stock limits/licensing requirements etc. to curb unscrupulous trading, hoarding and profiteering. The extension will also help the States in tackling the problem of ensuring adequate availability of these commodities in the domestic market and keep prices under control.
The Government has taken a series of policies, initiatives and measures to enhance availability and moderate prices of essential commodities, especially pulses and onions. Future trade in pulses like urad and tur has already been suspended. Export of pulses has been banned and there is zero duty on import of pulses. Pulses have also been included for assistance under the Price Stabilization scheme. To increase availability of pulses in the domestic market 5000 tons of urad and 5000 tons of tur has been ordered to be imported. These imports are likely to reach shortly, which will ease the price situation.
