AP Govt initiates steps to curb price rise

Hyderabad, May 9 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh government is taking short, medium and long-term measures to bring down the spiralling prices of essential commodities by implementing the recommendations of Group of Ministers Committee, recently constituted by Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

Addressing media, after the Cabinet meeting, presided over by the Chief Minister here, state Information and Public Relations Minister A Ramanarayana Reddy said district Collectors were directed to conduct meetings with the traders and take steps to curb black marketing and hoarding of necessary goods in the state.

Informing that the consumers could complain to the civil supplies officials through toll free number on the 'indiscriminate' increase of prices, Mr Reddy said the agriculture department would encourage the farmers to cultivate vegetables by hiking the seed subsidy from Rs 600 to 1,200 per acre.

While the government would take steps to transport the essential commodities at fast pace under medium term, it would also revive Section 18 of Essential Commodities (1981) Act to punish the hoarders stringently, as part of long-term measure to curb the price rise.

The Minister said the fourth phase of Farmers Awareness Programmes would be organised from May 17 to June 30 in the mandal headquarters to educate them about the recent technological developments in the farming sector.

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