Controls imposed under the Essential Commodities, Act, 1955 – extension of validity of the Central Order No.SO.2559(E) dated 30.9.2014 in respect of pulses, edible oils and edible oilseeds beyond 30.09.2015

No: --- Dated: Sep, 22 2015

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today has given its approval for extension of validity of Central Order No.SO.2559 (E) dated 30.9.2014 for a further period of one year, that is from 1st October, 2015 to 30th September 2016 in respect of pulses, edible oils and edible oilseeds.

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.