'Make people's participation in pricing a reality'

Out-of-the-box approach by CM

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, June 10: In an out-of-the-box approach, Assam Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal has mooted the participation of the general public in meetings that take vital decisions on prices of essential commodities.

Addressing officials of Food and Civil Supplies and Consumers Affairs Department at Assam Secretariat in the city today, Sonowal said: “The involvement of the general public in the process of pricing is a must so as to let them know as to how the prices are fixed. The Department should hold frequent meetings with wholesalers and retailers in the presence of general public. Such a move, if translated into a reality, can erase lack of faith on the hike in prices in the mind of the consumers.”

The Chief Minister further said: “In order to keep the price line unchanged in villages, tea estates and sar areas in the State, the department has to keep a close watch on the differences between wholesale prices and retail prices of various commodities. The common people of the State should be informed of the prices of various commodities at their sources. The consumers should also be made known the prices of various commodities in various State capitals in the country so as to eble them to draw a comparison on their own. This apart, the department has to keep tab on the issue of goods carriers charging at exorbitant rates.”

Sonowal further told the officials of the department that food inspectors should keep a watch on wholesale and retail prices of commodities, apart from fair price shops in the State. “The best possible method of inspection on the prices of goods has to be followed,” Sonowal said.

The Chief Minister wanted to know from the department details on the Food Security Act and ADHAR Card. The department let the Chief Minister know that the tiol Food Security Act (NFSA) has covered 2.5 crore people.

Additiol chief Secretary TY Das and other officials of the department were present at the meeting.  

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