IMPHAL, June 27: Suspecting the hand of black marketers behind the sudden increase in the price of rice, Minister Oken is all set to combat the issue.
The minister in charge of Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution briefed media persons at his office that his department has devised a scheme to combat the hike.
“Earlier, a rice bag weighing 50 kg was sold at around Rs 450, but the rate has increased to above Rs 600 at present, there is ample stock of rice and we are planning to distribute it to the public at a fair rate”, the minister notified.
He mentioned that mobile sales will be conducted at 10 areas within the municipality jurisdiction beginning from June 29 upto July 8. At least 15 kg will be sold to a person at a rate of Rs 9 per kg. The timing for sale will commence from 10 am till 5 pm. The said locations are Waheng Leikai Parking, Sagolband parking, Churachandpur parking at Keisampat, Khoyathong parking, Municipality gate, Thangal Bazar,Paona Bazar, Samu Makhong, Andro parking and ISBT at Khuman Lampak.
The initiative to distribute the rice at the said transit areas was resolved to cater to as many locations and individuals as possible. The sales will further be carried out at other districts and constituency levels, the minister added.
M Okendro mentioned that for convenience of the public regarding availability of cooking gas, the home distribution system has been outsourced to a private company which will start work shortly. The home delivery system will be experimented for Imphal West and Imphal East initially.
Further, opening of fair price shops in all districts headquarters is being contemplated by the state government, the matter will also be deliberated in the cabinet for sanction, he said.
To effectively address petrol adulteration, checks of all transport vehicles will be carried out at specified entrances of the city areas.
The minister exhorted that during his tenure, maximum emphasis will be paid on streamlining the PDS system among other issues as to facilitate the public and mainly womenfolk who are living on minimum wages.