Lockdown in Tripura: As price hike hits buyers, action is on anvil. Food department will launch an intensive drive to control prices of essential commodities
Enewstime Desk
Agartala, April 03, 2020: The Food department officials of Tripura will launch an intensive drive to control prices of essential commodities in various markets. In the wake of national lockdown, a section of unscrupulous traders are reportedly charging extra prices from buyers in different markets in Agartala including Maharajganj market – the main market in the city.
Tapan Kumar Das, Director to Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department, in a press conference said separate teams have been formed and four Food Safety Inspectors have been brought to the city for monitoring of local markets.
He said a team Legal Metrology today carried out raids at 27 shops in and around the city. Among them, owners of three shops have been fined for irregularities. Besides, another team of Food department raided and sealed four shops in Maharajganj market, Das said.
He also said that a rack loaded with 1500 MT pulses is expected to reach the state from Kanpur by April 7 next.
Sujit Roy, general secretary to All Tripura Merchants’ Association, was also present in the press conference. He said the state has stocks of 3MT fish at present and there is no issue in supply of egg and other essential items.
Tamal Paul, general secretary to Tripura Grocery Merchants’ Association, briefed about the wholesale and retail prices of various essential commodities.
Notably, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and concerned officials repeatedly assured that there was adequate stock of essential goods in the State. Moreover, cargo flights are bringing several items. Despite adequate supply, a section of traders are trying to capitalize present situation and charging prices at their own whims. Complaints of sky rocketing prices and black marketing have forced the Food Department to initiate action against errant traders.
Dr. Debasis Basu, Secretary to Food department, also attended the press conference and said the executive body of State Disaster Management in a meeting decided to provide financial relief of Rs. 1000 to 4477 migrant workers each– 3959 migrant workers are in the city. Besides, the state government made arrangements for accommodation and foods for the 440 people of Tripura now stranded in other parts of the country, Dr. Basu said. Meanwhile, around 50 vendors today sold vegetables in small vans across the city.
