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Govt cool over �artificial� price rise, allege conscious sections

By Staff Reporter - 15 Sep 2010 12:00 AM GMT

GUWAHATI, Nov 4 - A steep rise in the prices of all essential commodities is drawing sharp reactions from all sections of people across the State, with concern being expressed over the indifferent attitude of the State government over an issue that is affecting the day-to-day life of the masses. Condemning the apathetic attitude of the State government towards this major problem being faced by the people, the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP) today demanded resignation of State Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Phani Bhushan Choudhury.

AJYCP will stage a protest against price rise in all districts on Thursday.

�The minister concerned who has publicly admitted his failure to control the rise in prices of essential items, has no right to continue in the government. Similarly, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is also silent over the issue, which is a matter of great concern,� AJYCP president Rana Pratap Barua and general secretary Palash Changmai stated. The youth body alleged it is an artificial price rise created by the market forces and through its conspicuous silence, the government is encouraging black-marketing, middlemen and syndicates, to get its commission from the market.

The All Assam Students� Union (AASU) will also stage a statewide protest on November 7 against the sharp rise in prices of potato, onion and other essential commodities. The student body today rapped the State government for its total failure and lack of initiative to control the situation.

NGO Save Guwahati Build Guwahati (SGBG) today said that at a time when the common people are already affected by the COVID-19 and subsequent lockdown, the rise in prices of most of the essential items, including potato and onion, is putting an additional burden on the monthly budget of the common people.

�In this hour of crisis, we want the government to strictly monitor the market conditions so that unscrupulous elements cannot take advantage of the situation. On the contrary, the government representatives, including the Chief Minister must come out to address this issue and assure the people about the steps being taken in this regard,� SGBG president Krishno K Borooah and working president Ajoy Dutta stated.