Minister urges to UDF to withdraw hartal on Feb 19

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 15 (UNI) Kerala Food and Civil Supplies Minister C Divakaran today urged the United Democratic Front (UDF) to withdraw its proposed hartal on February 19, against the price hike of essential commodities.

A release said here the minister, while admitting the price hike, said the problem confronts not only Kerala, but the entire country. However, when compared to other states, the price in the state was low, he added.

Mr Divakaran said the government was planning to introduce an Essential Commodities Act(ECA) in the state.

He said the government would pressurise the Centre to curb the price hike of essential commodities.

The government would also take measures to control hoardings, the release added.

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