Take immediate steps to contain prices of essential commodities: GSS

SILCHAR: In a representation to the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, Keerthi Jally, recently, Grahak Suraksha Samiti (GSS) has impressed upon her to take immediate steps to contain the prices of essential commodities, besides streamlining public distribution system in larger public interest. Cross sections of consumers in urban and rural areas of the district in their complaints hit out at improper public distribution executed through fair price shops. The supply of wheat flour (atta) to public has become irregular. In the rapidly increasing cases of diabetics, most consumers prefer in their diet wheat flour made rotis for which economically poor depend upon PDS. Fair price shop dealers at the same time supply poor quality wheat flour, keeping aside the good quality provided by the State government.

The litany of complaints from public refers to wayward manner of sellers in charging high prices for potato, onion and pulses. There is no control over the market prices either of the administration or the municipal board, it seems. Equally worrisome is the abnormal rates at which vegetables and fishes of all varieties are sold in the market as if a syndicate operate the system. Their prices vary from one market to another. Consumers are simply upset and puzzled at the phenomenon. Katla and Hillish fishes are beyond the reach of common people. One kg Katla costs Rs 400, Ayeer fish variety ranges between Rs 1200 to Rs 1500 a kg and hillish of the same weight Rs 1500 to Rs 2000. The fishery department has declared the prices per kg of different common varieties of fishes which should not exceed Rs 500. But, then who cares.

GSS general secretary Biplob Kumar Goswami points out there are a good number of rivers and their tributaries, beels, watery courses and water channels which produce huge quantity of fishes. Where do these fishes go? The representation demands thorough investigation into the public grievances for adopting tough and corrective measures against the erring persons and bodies to give relief to people hard hit by lockdown and lean economic situation.

Also watch: Evening Bulletin | 24th June, 2020