Price rise a matter of serious concern: Raghuvansh Prasad

New Delhi, Feb 13 (UNI) The continuous rise in prices of essential commodities in the country is a " matter of serious concern" for the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Rural Development Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said today.

Talking to newsmen here, Dr Singh said the Government should seriously find out ways and means to check the price rise at the earliest.

He questioned what was the point of importing wheat and pulses if the prices do not come down in the domestic market.

Responding to questions, Dr Singh said he had already raised this matter before the Union Cabinet.

On the issue of price rise in the country, Dr Singh said, " had I been in the opposition I would have told the Government in a befitting manner but since I am now a Minister in this Government I can not say much.'' He said this is the single most negative aspect of this Government.

On the question of the setting up of Special Economic Zones (SEZ), the Rural Development Minister said the matter is presently kept in abeyance and a review will be made in view of the large-scale protests.

In response to a question whether the Prime Minister should be kept out from the purview of the Lokayukt as recommended by the Moily panel, Dr Singh said,'' there is no need for the Prime Minister to be kept under the purview of the Lokayukt.'' When asked to comment what action should be taken against a close relative of Railway Minister Lalu Prasad who was arrested for travelling without ticket in a train, Dr Singh said," the law should take its own course and nobody is above law." UNI