27,000 quintals of pulses seized in raid

In a raid conducted by the Food and Supply Department of Delhi government, around 27,000 quintals of pulses were seized at two places in the Capital.

Food and Supply Minister Asim Ahmed Khan said four teams were deputed to check the stock limit of pulses in four godowns at Siraspur and Alipur of Northwest Delhi.

“Officials of Food and Supply Department raided a godown in Alipur and seized 21,495 quintals pulses,” he said. Mr. Khan said that this much quantity alone can fulfil the need of Delhites for a good four days easily. “On an average, Delhi needs 4,000-4500 quintal of pulses,” he said.

The second raid, he said, was carried out at another godown in Siraspur and officials seized around 5050 quintals pulses. The move was part of the drive by the government to ensure that pulses were available at affordable rates.

For pulses, stock limit is prescribed as 2000 quintals for wholesalers for all types of pulses taken together, and 50 quintals for retailers.

The wholesale/retail dealers who indulge in hoarding activities by stocking pulses beyond the prescribed stock limit will be punished as per the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, a senior department official said.

The move was part of the drive by the government to ensure that pulses were available at affordable rates