Govt taking steps to curb price rise in Meghalaya: Ymbon

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 29, 2024

Minister in-charge Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Comingone Ymbon on Thursday said while the price rise is a phenomenon influenced by various factors, the department is working diligently with the districts, sub-divisions and all stakeholders to curb price increases in the state.

Tabling a statement in reply to a call attention moved by VPP MLA Ardent M Basaiawmoit, Ymbon said regular retail price reviews have been instrumental in devising strategies for market intervention, ensuring that price fluctuations do not adversely affect consumers, particularly those from vulnerable sections of society.

“The department remains committed to protecting the interests of consumers by ensuring the availability of essential commodities at reasonable prices. Through continuous monitoring, strict enforcement, and collaboration with both state and national agencies, we are confident that the measures undertaken will help mitigate the impact of price rises on the people of the state,” he said.

The minister also informed in order to prevent unfair trade practices like hoarding and black marketing, the Prevention of Black-marketing of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act 1980, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 are being implemented in the State.

The department has been vested with delegated powers under these Acts to detain persons whose activities are found to be prejudicial to the maintenance of supplies of essential commodities. The department has taken necessary steps to ensure the effective implementation of both the Acts.

Action taken reports relating to these Acts are updated and reviewed regularly on the Ministry’s portal.

Further, the minister informed that 79 raids were conducted in the state under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and Prevention of Black-marketing of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act 1980, as part of the enforcement measures during 2021-22.

“This number increased to 107 raids in the period 2022-23 and further rto 274 raids in the period 2023-24. These efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to curbing malpractices and ensuring that essential commodities are available to all citizens at fair prices,” he added.