The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Hoarders warned of stern action

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Dec 06, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Hoarders warned of stern action

Special Correspondent

‘Arikkada’ inaugurated; outlets will sell rice varieties at fixed price

—Photo: C. Ratheesh kumar

Nose for quality: Food Minister C. Divakaran smells the rice stocked at the newly-opened Arikkada outlet of the Civil Supplies Corporation in the city on Wednesday.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister for Food and Civil Supplies C. Divakaran warned of stern action to check price rise and artificial shortage of essential commodities. Speaking while inaugurating an Arikkada (rice shop) set up by the Civil Supplies Corporation at the Putharikandam Maidan here on Wednesday, he said the government would conduct raids to curb hoarding and black-marketing.

“We are committed to doing everything possible to lessen the burden of the common man. Similar outlets will be opened at Kochi and Kozhikode and other district headquarters to provide varieties of rice at fixed price. The price of rice sold through the network of 1,400 Maveli stores has been reduced by one rupee. Directions have been issued to reduce the price at Sabari and Laabham stores also,” he said.

The Minister said moves were on to tide over the shortage of rice in Kerala. “Steps have been taken to import rice from Andhra Pradesh. Transportation will depend on the availability of railway wagons.

A delegation from Kerala will hold talks with the government of Andhra Pradesh to ensure a steady supply of rice. Meanwhile, the Food Corporation of India has been directed to make more rice available for the Christmas season”.

Mr. Divakaran added that the Finance Department had sanctioned Rs.3 crore for market intervention to hold the price line. He urged the Central government to revise its food policy and sanction special quota for Kerala in view of its status as a consumer State. He also demanded a review of the decision to reduce the rice quota for Kerala. The Minister said the Central government’s clearance for multinational companies to purchase, sell and stock essential commodities was responsible for the shortage.

He said People’s Christmas Bazaars would start functioning early this year in view of the shortage of goods in the market.

“Eggs, meat and dairy products will also be available at these outlets,” he said.

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