Amid the ongoing struggle between India and Pakistan, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DOCA) has written a letter to the Chief Secretary of all states. This letter has been asked to ensure that there is no hoarding or black marketing of essential things. Moneycontrol has come to know about this from a senior government official. The letter sent to the states states that the prices of pulses, wheat, rice, vegetables, edible and other important things should be monitored. The official said that if needed, the government can also implement the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1995.
The ECA gives the government the right to produce, supply, distribution and trade of some things considered necessary for public interest. The purpose of this control mechanism is to prevent manipulation of prices and ensure proper distribution of essential things during the crisis.
Meeting with vendors, exporters
The department of consumer affairs is also holding meetings with other stakeholders- wholesale vendors, retailers, exporters etc. to ensure adequate supply of essential things. “During the time of uncertainty, such as in the ongoing struggle, it is necessary to ensure the supply of essential things. However, there is no need to worry, because there is no shortage of essential grains,” the official said.
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How much stock in Indian godowns
According to official data, the stock of rice and wheat in Indian godowns is more than 6.6 million tonnes. This is more than 5.2 million tonnes of food grains sold through the public distribution system last year. There is currently 16 to 17 lakh tonnes of edible oil in the country, which is sufficient for consumption of 28 days. There is a stock of 54 million tonnes of sugar, which is sufficient to complete consumption for about 3 months.
A Delhi -based rice trader told Moneycontrol that there is no official order to control the supply yet. But the authorities are monitoring the prices of food grains. Igrain India director Rahul Chauhan said: “India has adequate reserves of food grains, sugar, pulses and edible oils. Even if a situation like war arises, there is no danger to food security.”