For curbing recent spurt in prices of onion, milk and other commodities, the government on Friday decided to monitor prices of essential commodities periodically.
At a high level meeting attended by Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution KV Thomas cabinet secretary KM Chandrasekhar, chief economic advisor Kaushik Basu, and other concerned official reviewed the price situation.
On the price situation of onions, it was noted that out of the contracted 1000 tonne from Pakistan, 300 tonne have already arrived and another 426 tonne is on its way.
Thomas said the higher prices are not likely to prevail beyond 31st January 2011 as a result of fresh arrivals. ?The stock position with organized retail chains will be observed to ensure that stock is not contributing to hardening of prices,? he said after the meeting..
It was decided in the meeting that the department of animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries (DADF) along with National Dairy Development Board will take steps to improve supply situation of milk and milk products and would also keep the stocks under constant monitoring.
It was decided to formulate a scheme for strengthening the State Civil Supplies Corporations. It will include conditions which promote efficiency and transparency in the corporations and assistance will be contingent on the same, a statement by ministry of agriculture said.
Thomas would chair four regional conferences of food ministers and secretaries in the coming two weeks to review measures taken by state governments on the price front. The working of the APMC Act and its impact on prices will be reviewed.
On the edible oil supplies, it was decided to ask the state government to lift oil for distribution under the subsidised distribution scheme.