Shimla: In a significant relief for consumers, Himachal Pradesh ration depots will soon distribute pulses that have been unavailable for the past two months.
The Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation has issued supply orders for three pulses — Urad, chana dal and masoor dal (malka) — with stocks already arriving at wholesale warehouses and being dispatched to depots.
Along with this month’s allotment, consumers will receive the pending backlog quota, benefiting lakhs of families.
Mustard oil remains unavailable
However, mustard oil remains unavailable at depots. A tender for its procurement will be opened on January 4, and the approval process may take additional time. Once finalised, consumers will also receive the backlog quota for mustard oil.
Pulses pricing at depots
• Urad Dal:
Consumers under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) will pay Rs 58/kg, while Above Poverty Line (APL) families will be charged Rs 68/kg. Taxpayers will receive it at Rs 93/kg.
• Chana dal:
Both NFSA and APL families will pay Rs 65/kg, while taxpayers will get it for Rs 69/kg. The corporation has issued a supply order for 79,169 quintals of chana dal, which is already arriving in warehouses.
• Masoor dal (malka):
Imported from Canada, this dal offers a new culinary experience for consumers. Prices are set at Rs 56/kg for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, Rs 66/kg for APL families, and ars 91/kg for taxpayers. A supply order for 40,510 quintals of malka dal had been issued earlier.
Focus on affordable distribution
The decision to provide affordable and quality pulses through the Public Distribution System (PDS) is aimed at controlling market prices and ensuring food security. With approximately 4,500 ration depots across the state, these supplies will reach a vast majority of consumers, alleviating their dependence on the more expensive market alternatives.