Govt committed to maintain prices of essential goods:CM

Shimla, Apr 7 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal today said Rs 90 crore provision was made for subsidising the essential commodities during current financial year, besides, rationalising the Government supply transportation rates by respective departments.

The State Government was considering developing a transport town near Baddi in industrial area to facilitate truck Operators of the necessary facilities to improve their functioning, Mr Dhumal said while addressing a public meeting at Darlaghat in district Solan, after he dedicated the new Solan District Truck Operators office building to the operators.

The Chief Minister said it was only after the present Government returned to power that a provision of Rs. 70 crore was made to subsidise the essential commodities. He said that all-out efforts would be made to maintain the price line of essential commodities so that the common man was benefitted.

Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal said wrong policies of the UPA Government were resulting into cost escalation of essential commodities. He said that till the year 2004, the country was exporting grains to other needy countries and the poor and deservingsections of the society were provided essential commodities at nominal prices. He said that poor aged above 65 years were given free ration upto 10 kg. for their sustenance. He said that it was the responsibility of the union Government to ensure supply and availability of essential commodities to consumers.

He said that the Government was keeping a strict vigil and would take punitive action against hoaders adding that the government was committed to make essential commodities available to every consumer at reasonable price.

Mr Dumar Dhumal said that the State Government had assured the single women, who had called on him last week, to get separate ration cards and free medical treatment and stressed that his government was committed to the welfare of the vulnerable sections.

He said that all the pending social security pension cases of widows were being examined and would be decided on priority.

He assured sympathetic consideration of the demand of SDPO in Arki Sub-Division, besides, strengthening the law and order conditions.

He assured of exploring possibilities to formulate a plan for lift drinking water supply scheme for the area.

Chief Minister was presented a draft of Rs 5 lakh by President Solan District Truck Operators Cooperative Society Rattan Mishra and Rs 2 lakh cheque by President ADKM Balak Ram Sharma as contribution towards the Chief Minister Relief Fund.

UNI XC AS JN JS1610