(a) whether the Government are aware of the fact that the prices of essential commodities are increasing day by day;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps being taken by the Government to check the prices of essential commodities and to contain the inflation rate?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND COMPANY AFFAIRS ( SHRI ANANDRAO VITHOBA ADSUL)
(a) & (b) : Annual price rise in the group of 30 essential commodities whose
prices are monitored on a weekly basis is just 2.4%. Rice, wheat and some
pulses recorded a price rise between 2-3.5% only. Sugar prices are currently
lower than the last few years. Only edible oil prices have risen sharply because
of high international prices.
(c)Government made concerted efforts to keep inflation under control through
effective supply management as also through close monitoring of prices and
supply of essential commodities. Large volume of public stock of foodgrains
ensured comfortable supply situation of foodgrains and helped stabilise their
prices despite the severity of drought. Government`s liberal release of surplus
foodgrain stocks under various welfare schemes provided increased support to
the vulnerable sections of the society.