Essential commodity prices touch new high in Palampur

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, August 16

The prices of essential commodities have touched a new high in the past few days as the authorities concerned have failed to keep a check on the rising prices in Palampur town and adjoining areas.

The alleged indifferent attitude of the state government in enforcing the Essential Commodities Act in letter and spirit has encouraged black marketeering and hoarding of essential commodities. Though it is mandatory for every shopkeeper to display the price list, there are hardly any checks to ensure the compliance of the guidelines.

Earlier the SDM and DSP, along with the inspection staff of the Food and Supplies Department, used to check business premises in markets for illegal practices, but the exercise had been stopped of late. A senior officer said there was an acute shortage of the inspecting staff in the department. With the present staff strength, the department can keep a check on 10 per cent shops only, he added.

The state government was aware of the situation, but no efforts were made in the past few months to control the rising prices. Despite statements issued by the Food and Supply Minister and other officials in this regard, hardships of the common man have not come down. The Tribune team visited the local markets and noticed that there was a huge difference in the wholesale and the retail prices.

The prices of pulses have increased by 20 to 30 per cent in the past fortnight. Dal Malka is selling at Rs 100 per kg, Masur at Rs 95 per and Dal Chana at Rs 110. All varieties of Dal Moong are selling between Rs 130 and 135 per kg. Arhar is selling at Rs 200 per kg and Rajmah at Rs 190-200. The price of branded mustard oil has gone up to Rs 165 per bottle. While the price of ordinary rice has increased by 5 per cent to Rs 50 per kg, wheat flour costs Rs 35 per kg. Likewise, the wholesale price of potato is Rs 20 per kg in the local Sabzi Mandi, but it is selling at Rs 35 in the retail market.

It is learnt that there is no check by the authorities concerned on the prices of essential commodities as every shopkeeper is keeping his own price list.