Manmohan to discuss price rise issue with CMs

New Delhi, Apr 8: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will meet the standing core group of Chief Ministers on Thursday, Apr 8, to discuss steps to deal with rising prices.

Speaking to reporters at Rashtrapathi Bhawan, Singh said, "I would like to discuss (issue of price rise) with Chief Ministers."

The committee will comprise chief ministers of almost 10 major states, including Left-ruled West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

The panel was constituted on Feb 6 after a day-long deliberation on price rise between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and state Chief Ministers.

Besides CMs, the other members of committee are Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

When asked about decision of the Left Parties to launch 'jail bharo' agitation on price rise, Singh said, "I don't think this problem can be solved by agitational tactics. I would like political parties to pool their wisdom, knowledge and experience to evolve practical and pragmatic solution to the problem."

The core committee will also discuss on measures to reduce the huge gap between farm gate and retail price.

OneIndia News