Thiruvananthapuram : The government will initiate strict action against those charging excess price for everyday items, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan The announcement came at a high-level meeting in the wake of vast differences in prices of household items at different places
The price list of items sold must be displayed in front of all outlets. Departments should make collective interventions to rein in prices. The Legal Metrology Department should stricten its inspections. Hoarding should be eradicated completely. A team led by Collector should carryout inspections at main markets in the district. Police should make necessary interventions.
There should be effective interventions on part of Horticorp, Consumerfed and Civil Supplies to bring down prices. Onam markets should be set up early under the aegis of co-operative banks. Quality control checks should be done at all locations. The District Collectors should discuss with traders the price variance observed at different places for same items and resolve the matter.
It should be attempted to resolve volatility and bring about uniform prices. District Collectors must look up price levels for essentials at least once a week. A meeting chaired by Chief Secretary should be held for discussions with Secretaries of concerned departments at least once in 10 days, said CM.
The Tuesday meeting was attended by Ministers GR Anil, VN Vasavan, K. Rajan, P. Prasad, Chief Secretary Dr. V. Venu, Secretaries of Food and Agriculture Department, State Police Chief Sheikh Darvesh Sahib, District Collectors, District Police Chiefs and other officials.
