No scarcity of food items in Himachal: Minister

Shimla, Mar 5 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Food and Civil Supplies Minister Ramesh Dhwala said here today that there was no scarcity of food items in the state.

There was 23,008 quintal wheat, 1,53,373 quintal rice, 1,91,002 quintal wheat flour and 28,053 quintal levy sugar was available on March 1, 2008 under various schemes in the godowns of H P State Civil Supplies Corporation in the State.

He said that in addition to it, 69,200 quintal wheat, 2,09,300 quintal rice, 1,01,480 quintal wheat flour and 47,041 quintal levy sugar had been allocated for March, 2008 and added that availability of foodgrains was satisfactory.

He said that under Special Subsidy Scheme, 4,427 quintal dal malka, 4,458 quintal dal chana, 5,239 quintal dal urd, 1,26,166 litre mustard oil, 193, 130 liter refined oil and 3,193 quintal salt was available on March 1, 2008 in the godowns of the Corporation.

He said that supply order had been issued through tenders for pulses, oil and salt for the month of March. However, due to sudden price rise at national level in open market, some suppliers were not properly supplying pulses and oil. He said that action was being initiated against such persons.

The Food and Civil Supplies Minister said that tenders had been invited for March 17, 2008 to tackle the situation and quota for the month of March would be made available to the public in this month itself.

He further said that Government was committed to check price rise and maintain quality and availability of essential items.

UNI XC JN BK1948