The Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Opposition staged a walkout from the Assembly on Tuesday in protest against the Speaker’s refusal to allow an adjournment motion seeking discussion on the rising price of essential commodities and the failure of the government to intervene in the market.
Giving notice for the discussion, Communist Party of India leader and former Agriculture Minister Mullakara Ratnakaran alleged that the United Democratic Front government had undermined the public distribution system in the State. In his reply, Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob said the government had succeeded in keeping prices under control. The network of PDS outlets had been expanded and an amount of Rs.261 crore spent on subsidies for Supplyco last year. As many as 103 new Maveli stores, five super markets, 115 civil supplies units, and 15 mobile outlets had been opened.
Mr. Ratnakaran wondered why prices were headed north if the government’s market intervention was effective.
“There is no point in claiming that a huge amount was spent on curbing price rise. The government has no control over market forces dictating prices. The PDS network is collapsing, adding to the crisis in various sectors,” he said.
Subsidised food kit
Mr. Ratnakaran urged the government to consider the idea of a subsidised food kit for workers in the traditional sectors. The Minister said 16-lakh metric tonnes of rice was sold through ration shops and festival fairs were effective in driving down the open market prices. He, however, said the prices of some essential commodities were rising because of external factors.
Minister says PDS network has been expanded
‘Goods for PDS being diverted to open market’
