Question : ANALYSIS OF PRICE TRENDS

(a) whether a Conference/Meeting of Food and Consumer Affairs Ministers of the States was held recently in Delhi on the issue of rise in prices of essential commodities and if so, the details of issues discussed and the suggestions/recommendations received therein;

(b) whether the Price Monitoring Cell has submitted any report on the study/analysis of price trends done by it and if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon;

(c) whether the Government has deployed mobile vans for providing essential commodities to the people at fair price and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government proposes to amend the Essential Commodities Act and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the other steps taken to control prices and mitigate the problems of the vulnerable sections of the society?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRI RAOSAHEB PATIL DANVE)

(a): Yes Madam. Based on the discussions, it was agreed upon to implement an Integrated Action Plan, as per details at Annexure.

(b): Price Monitoring Cell in Department of Consumer Affairs is regularly compiling wholesale and retail prices of essential items from 59 centres across the country. The data being compiled is based on the information furnished by the States/UTs. Based on the daily price reports generated, both prices and availability of essential items are being monitored.

(c) : The Government of Delhi has reported sale of onion and potatoes through mobile vans, fair price shops and government premises, to make these items available at reasonable rates.

(d): Yes Madam. Amendments proposed to make the Act more stringent and to strengthen enforcement include making offences non-bailable, setting up special courts and definition of Foodstuffs.

(e): With a view to insulate the vulnerable sections of society and consumers, Government has initiated several measures on the price front to improve the availability of essential commodities. The steps in operation include allowing import of various items of mass consumption at zero or concessional import duties together with restrictions on exports, prescribing stockholding limits under Essential Commodities Act and allocation of foodgrains at affordable prices under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).