The Protection and Preservation Committee Manipur (PPCM) has appealed to the authority concerned to draw attention to the hike in prices of essential commodities and urged businessmen to stop selling goods in the rates they decide as per their wishes.
The PPCM said in a release that amid COVID-19 pandemic, the prices of most of the essential commodities are increasing tremendously. Hence, the people of the state are facing a lot of challenges to run their households, particularly the economically backward classes, it said.
The department concerned had issued notice twice on April 7 and May 12 about the prices of essential commodities fixed by the state government, it stated. The orders were issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 but businessmen are not adhering to the notice, the release added.
As the situation is worsening, the state government should not take it lightly, the release further said while adding otherwise, it may lead many to starve. PPCM has urged the authority concerned to take action against those who do not follow the said orders.
The committee also urged end to illegal taxes from truck drivers while they are ferrying commodities along national highways. Besides, taking of extra charges from truckers by the state government machineries on the grounds of providing security measures should be stopped, it added.
