Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 04 2010:
Although the Government of India has given instructions to all the States for controlling prices of essential commodities, the Govt of Manipur has not been able to do anything much in this regard with businessmen calling the shots.
According to an official source, instructions have been received from the Centre for taking up necessary measures for controlling the prices of essential commodities in the State as well and the Prime Minister is scheduled to chair a meeting with all the Chief Ministers to discuss the issue on February 9 .
However, in Manipur there is no proper mechanism to control escalating price after the Chambers of Commerce, which used to control the prices, could not function properly and other big businessmen left the State on account of the prevailing law and order situation here.
Smaller traders and businessmen who have come into the shoes of the big businessmen are having their sways on the prices of the goods being brought into the State.
These smaller traders and businessmen are also imposing many illegal taxes on the goods arbitrarily, thereby leading to the price escalation, the source explained.
With regard to prices of some essential commodities like rice, it is being monitored effectively by the Consumers Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department.
One kg of rice is made available to the people at Rs 16 .
However, the prices of other commodities are not being able to controlled after the Commerce of Commerce could not function properly, the source added.
It may be noted here that the prices of goods have risen all over the country following implementation of 6th Central Pay Commission.