UP govt gets tough over price hike

Lucknow, Mar 17 (UNI) Amid continuous criticism by the opposition over price rise of essential commodities, Uttar Pradesh government today ordered it's officials to monitor the prices and ensure proper implementation of price control provisions.

Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Mishra today issued strict instructions regarding the same to the Commissioners and District Magistrates in writing.

He said, ''During the last few days the reports emanating from various departments pointed out the continuous price rise of daily use commodities, while under the new system, the price of 436 commodities had been decreased and that of 1,376 remained unchanged.'' Thus, price hike in foodgrains, 'atta', 'besan,' 'suji,' 'vanaspati,' milk products, pulses, medicines and other commodities of daily use by the traders in the name of VAT appears to be an attempt to malign government's image.

Such practise would not be tolerated, he added.

Mr Mishra further elaborated that the traders need to trained how to charge accurate tax under VAT and general public should also made aware of the same.

Besides, there is a need to ensure better coordination between all the departments, so that action could be initiated under Essential Commodity Act 1955 and other related laws.

The Chief Secretary had issued strict instructions to the officials to keep an eye over the sky-rocketing prices and on spotting any irregularity related to artificial scarcity, stockpiling or indiscreet realisation of tax Stringent action should be taken against the accused, he said.

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