New Delhi: The Department of Consumer Affairs held a crucial meeting today with the Retailers Association of India (RAI) to address the price situation of pulses and to ensure compliance with the stock limits prescribed for Tur and Chana under the recent amendments to the Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs Order, 2024. The meeting, chaired by Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, aimed to align retail practices with government efforts to keep essential food prices affordable.
RAI, which represents over 2,300 members and operates more than 600,000 outlets nationwide, played a significant role in this discussion.
Secretary Khare highlighted a concerning trend: while prices of Chana, Tur, and Urad in major mandis have decreased by up to 4% over the past month, retail prices have not reflected a similar decline. This discrepancy suggests that retailers might be maintaining higher profit margins, despite lower wholesale costs.
Furthermore, Khare noted the robust sowing progress for Kharif pulses. The government has been proactive in boosting production of Tur and Urad, particularly in major Kharif pulse-producing states. Initiatives include distributing high-quality seeds to farmers through NAFED and NCCF, with the Department of Agriculture continuously engaging with state agriculture departments to provide necessary support.
Considering the favorable Kharif outlook and current price scenario, Secretary Khare urged the retail industry to support government efforts in keeping dal prices affordable for consumers. She emphasized that the stock positions of all stockholding entities, including large retail chains, are being closely monitored to ensure adherence to prescribed limits. Any breach of stock limits, speculative behavior, or profiteering will be met with stringent actions from the government.