The State BJP has demanded that State Government ensure adequate availability of pulses, edible oils and other essential food items at reasonable prices by removing all local taxes on essential food items.
It said that market intervention was necessary keeping in view the soaring prices of the eatables on a real time basis and urged the Government to review the APMC Acts on priority basis to de-list pulses and other essential food items so that farmers can sell their produce at their places of choice. It will ensure reasonable prices for consumers and also fetch better prices for farmers, the party said.
The State Government should immediately implement a pricing policy for pulses and such other essential food items under Section 3(2) (c) of the EC Act and should immediately enforce capping of prices of essential commodities, the BJP demanded.
Party spokesperson Sajjan Sharma said that the Government must implement the Price Stabilisation Fund Scheme for market intervention to enhance availability and check prices of essential items.
Sharma in a Press release expressed concern over the Government’s failure in lifting of pulses from buffer stock, which is a pre-requisite, besides strengthening storage facilities for pulses, vegetables, edible oils, seeds and onions.
He asked the Government to refrain from encouraging hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities in view of coming festival season and urged to conduct regular raids and take habitual violators to task.
He further demanded that Odisha should immediately create a dedicated force under the EC Act, on the lines of Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Crime Investigation Department for effective operations against hoarders, black-marketers, profiteers and unscrupulous traders.