DGFT probing allegations of pulses' export: FM

New Delhi, Mar 6 (UNI) Three exporters of pulses are under the scanner of Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for defying a ban imposed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said today.

The export of pulses is currently banned by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Mr Chidambaram told the Rajya Sabha that some exporters may have exported Indian pulses by backdating the letters of credit.

He said the Finance Ministry will soon send its reply on the matter to DGFT's office. ''We hope the investigation will be over as soon as possible,'' he said during Question Hour.

The mismatch between demand and supplies of pulses, wheat and onions have led to upward spiralling inflation and consequent political uproar across the country in recent weeks.

There is no permission required for import of pulses as they are classified under open general licence (OGL) category. The problem is that pulses which India consumes are not available in international markets, said the Finance Minister.

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