CM Khanduri blames Centre for price rise

Dehra Dun, Apr 23 (UNI) Apparently miffed at the Centre for its 'step motherly' treatment towards the state, Uttarakhand Chief Minister B C Khanduri said it was unfortunate that despite having two great economists in the Cabinet, the government's policies on curbing price rise were proving ineffective.

Talking to mediapersons at the Secretariat here yesterday, Mr Khanduri said it was unfortunate that policies to control price rise were not working despite the presence of two great economists- Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister P Chidambaram.

He said the problem was more significant in Uttarakhand as the masses depended on the Public Distribution System for food supplies.

The state was recieving only 1500 tonnes of food out of its stipulated requirement of 18,000 tons, he said, adding that same was the situation with regard to the procurement of rice and oil.

'' I had asked Sharad Pawar to increase the wheat quota, but nothing has happened,'' he said, adding that a reminder would be sent to the Agriculture Minister to discuss the matter personally.

UNI PB AM RK1240