SHILLONG, APR 2: Minister in-charge Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs James K Sangma has warned of taking stern action against those involved in overcharging of essential food commodities.
“We have made it amply clear that stern action will be taken (on the matter),” Sangma told reporters here on Thursday.
He informed that citizens are also requested to utilize the department’s toll free number ‘1967’ if they have any concerns or grievances pertaining to essential food items.
The minister also said the price monitoring cell in every district is also working to ensure that certain unscrupulous people do not try to take advantage of the situation and overcharge the prices of essential food commodities.
The supply officers are also monitoring the market at the district level by way of surprise raids to ensure that there is no hoarding of essential items at this crucial time.
He said the government will also pass instruction to the deputy commissioners on the need to regulate the open market to ensure that every citizen get their share of supply.
Asked, the minister said as of now the government of India is not contemplating of extending the lockdown adding “but that is something I am not in a position to either say yes or deny as that is a question which only the govt of India can answer.”
He however said nonetheless whatever the situation may be, the state government has to prepare for any eventuality as we don’t know how COVID-19 is going to pang out in the next few months.
“Regardless if the lockdown continues or not I think it is the responsibility of each and everyone of us to prepare ourselves for any kind of eventuality,” Sangma added.
By Our Reporter
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