Hoarding, profiteering to invite stern action: Jai Ram Thakur

Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 21

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today directed the officers of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department and the HP State Civil Supplies Corporation to be extra vigilant during the pandemic so that general public could be facilitated.

The government would not hesitate from taking stern action against those involved in hoarding and profiteering of essential commodities during the pandemic, said Thakur while virtually interacting with the officers of the department and corporation from Shimla today.

He said that the department should ensure the availability of essential commodities at reasonable prices and check unlawful trade practices by implementing the provisions of Essential Commodities Act effectively in the state. He added that the department must maintain smooth supply of essential commodities to the consumers at reasonable rates and take corrective measures to check the hoarding and profiteering by the traders.

Thakur said that the state government had invoked HP Hoarding and Profiteering Prevention Order 1977, HP Commodities Price Marking and Display Order 1977 and HP Trade Articles (Licensing and Control) Order 1981 on April, 2021 to check any kind of trade malpractices. These orders would remain in force till October 31.

He said that as many as 4,638 inspections have been conducted during last about one month to discourage the traders from overcharging and hoarding.

The Chief Minister said that Targeted Public Distribution System in the state was functioning effectively through a network of 5,028 fair price shops catering to the needs of 19,17,302 ration card holders. Himachal was one of the first states in the country to implement One Nation – One Ration Card Scheme under National Food Security Act (NFSA).

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rajender Garg, while addressing the meeting virtually from Bilaspur, said the department was ensuring that the consumers get adequate and uninterrupted supply of essential commodities.