Furore again in Lok Sabha: Rise in prices

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha was deeply stirred today when Manubhai Shah, commerce minister, asserted that the price of essential commodities had not risen “unreasonably anywhere” after devaluation. To several questions about rising prices, he replied by listing the numerous measures the government had taken to check prices. These measures might not be adequate, but according to information collected by the price control rooms in the state a check on the price level was being maintained. As the minister’s replies failed to satisfy members from all sections of the House, the Speaker said he would allow a discussion on the question if notice was given. Enumerating the steps taken to curb prices, Shah said the question of bringing more articles under the Essential Commodities Act was under consideration. The question of delegating Central powers to the states to fix the prices of essentials was also being studied. Such powers had already been delegated to the states in respect of food stuffs. More consumer co- operatives would be set up and about 43 stores on the model of the super bazaar in New Delhi would be set up throughout the country this year. The Delhi administration was studying the retail prices of 18 essential commodities. In the week ended July 22, the price of chillies moved up further in Delhi by 7.7 per cent and pure ghee rose by 2.9 per cent. Compared with the pred evaluation level, the mustard oil, vanaspati and washing soap showed a fall ranging from one to 7.7 per cent.

Gur and arhar dal recorded a rise ranging from 2 to 7 per cent. The price of chillies had risen by 40 per cent since devaluation, main because supplies were short. —