Trinamool MP Saugata Roy on Wednesday raised the issue of rising prices of pulses during Zero Hour in Lok Sabha. He said that there has been a tremendous rise in the price of pulses over the last one year affecting millions of people for whom pulses are the major source of vegetable protein.
Citing figures, Saugata Roy said that compared to one year ago, prices of ground dal, toor dal, urad dal, mung dal, masur dal have risen by 53%, 99%, 86%, 14.45% and 26.77% respectively. Compared to six months ago, they have risen by 21.16%, 61.87%, 51%, 6.16% and 15.38% respectively.
“t is obvious that some businessmen have hoarded pulses in a big way. The government needs to immediately step up raids for dehoarding of hidden stocks of pulses to save the common man. They need to import pulses to alleviate the sufferings of the common man who are unable to consume dal,” he added.
” There have been allegations that some of these traders are getting protection from the ruling party,” Saugata Roy said adding that the government must inquire into the issue.