Opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) MLA, Ardent M Basaiawmoit today said “extortion of different forms” is the reason for price rise of essential commodities in the State.
Taking part in the question hour on a query, if the government has steps to check the seriousness of food inflation, raised by Mawphlang MLA, Matthew B. Kurbah, the Nongkrem MLA questioned if the government is aware that rise of price is because of extortion.
Pointing out that price rise is a serious issue that has affected the common man, he said, “Almost every week, there is an increase in the price (of essential commodities) and the main reason of the price rise is because of many extortions that are taking place in the state. So these businessmen in order to recover (extortion) have to increase the price,” he said.
Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Coming One Ymbon, in his response said the issue of price rise is not only in the State and that it is being experienced all over India. He said, insufficient food production, increase fuel price, climate change, drought, storm, insufficient rain and other factors have contributed to the price rise and inflation.
He informed that the Department has instructed Districts/Sub-Divisions from time to time to carry out raids and inspection regularly to prevent hoarding and black marketing and to increase the prosecution and conviction rate and provide outcome of such raids.
He also said that action is taken on reports relating to offences under Essential Commodities Act, 1955 & the Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980.
He also informed that monitoring of prices of essential commodities through Price Monitoring Centres is done and action is taken.
He informed that the state has district vigilant committee to check price rise and that is why the department is capturing in all three markets – Ïewduh, Laitumkhrah and Rynjah – by using mobile app with GPS on essential committees.
On the concerns raised by Sohiong MLA, S Kupar Roy Lyngdoh over plastic rice, the Minister said plastic rice is in fact fortified rice. “If people are getting plastic rice kindly ask them to complaint to our department,” he said.
