Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 16 2010:
Though it may be late, the State Govt has finally initiated certain measures to check sale of petroleum products in black markets in view of the continued shortage of these commodities.
The Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Commissioner sent a written instruction to the DCs and the SPs concerned on October 14 directing them to check black marketing of petroleum products.
These new measures are being taken up ahead of the Union Home Secretary's scheduled visit to the State.
The Commissioner's instruction also said that action taken reports should be submitted by today.
Consequent upon the 68 days' economic blockade imposed by ANSAM on NH-39 and NH-53 in April this year followed by intermittent blockades in August and September coupled by frequent landslides on National Highways, the number of black marketers has mushroomed rapidly.
Although sale of LPG in black markets cannot be observed, petrol is being sold quite openly in black markets on road-sides and in front of oil pumps.
Both the State and Central Governments are deeply concerned with these illegal activities but the district administrations and police seem to have done very little to check these activities, mentioned the Commissioner's letter.
Taking serious note of selling petroleum products in black markets, the Chief Secretary convened an official meeting on the matter on September 24 followed by another on October 14 .
The issue of black marketing petroleum products in Manipur has been raised at the Rastrapati Bhavan after a meeting of the Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India held on September 28, informed a source.
Meanwhile, Imphal East district police have seized petrol, diesel and kerosene put up for sale in black markets from different places of Imphal East during a drive today.