Pulses available at these depots have become more expensive, ranging from ₹6 to ₹18. Starting this month, people will be receiving these increased prices at these depots.
Although pulse prices at depots are currently lower than market prices, if these prices continue to rise, the market and depot prices will become equal.
In Himachal Pradesh, 80% of the population survives by purchasing rations from these cheap ration depots, which distribute rations to people monthly. There are a total of 1,940,968 ration card holders in the state, of which 1,132,818 are APL card holders, while over 746,034 are NFS card holders.
Pulses have only begun arriving at depots last month. Previously, pulses were not available at these depots. After nearly four months, pulses have finally arrived at the depots. But now people are forced to buy pulses at higher prices at depots.
These are the prices under the NFSA…
Dal Before – Now Difference
Malka 56 66 10
Dalchana 66 72 06
Urad 58 76 18
Difference in prices for APL cardholders
Malka 66 71 05
Dalchana 66 77 11
Urad 68 81 13
The increased prices of pulses at depots in Himachal will directly impact the pockets of the common people. Inflation is already troubling people, and an increase of ₹6 to ₹18 will further strain household budgets. The government and the Food and Supplies Department are expected to review the situation soon and take steps to provide relief to the public.
