Assam Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Kaushik Rai on Thursday chaired a meeting in his office at Janata Bhawan with representatives of various Chambers of Commerce to review the prevailing prices of essential commodities and discuss measures to ensure that consumers are not unduly burdened.
During the meeting, the Minister discussed the prices of various essential commodities. He stressed the need for close monitoring of market prices and strict adherence to prescribed norms to safeguard consumer interests.
In this regard, he urged all concerned business stakeholders to extend their cooperation to ensure that any unjustified increase in the prices of essential commodities does not cause hardship to the general public.
Minister Rai directed the concerned officials to intensify market inspections and maintain strict vigil over the prices and availability of essential commodities.
He further directed that prompt and stringent action be taken against any malpractice, irregularity or unfair trade practice. He made it clear that strict action will be taken against anyone found indulging in unfair trade practices or violating the prescribed norms.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts between the department, enforcement agencies and the business community to ensure fair pricing and prevent consumers from being adversely affected.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Biswaranjan Samal, Secretary Anusua Dutta Barua, Commissioner, FPD and CA and L M Hemanta Bhuyan, Managing Director, Assam Food and Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (AFCSCL) Parijat Bhuyan, Rupam Goswami, Chairman, Assam Chambers of Commerce, M. P. Jain, President, Kamrup Chambers of Commerce, representatives of various Chambers of Commerce and senior officials of the department.
