People from all walks of life are far from coming to terms with life in real sense given the impact of covid-19 pandemic. The daily-wagers were hit the most as their savings dried up and they continue to face a tough future even as economic activities have been eased a lot.
In such a hard time, soaring prices of essential commodities have doubled their woes. There is a common complaint that people are forced to purchase commodities at higher prices. If one goes to buy any vegetables, prices vary from vendor to vendor and are found to be higher side. The same is the case with fruits and it seems there is a monopoly of the individual vendor to fix the price. It is the common people who are made to face the brunt. The Government machinery seems inactive on the ground and necessary action is missing.
In past shopkeepers were made to exhibit, and that too, prominently, the ”Rate List” of the items of vegetables, fruits, pulses etc in particular but is hardly seen in contemporary times. Take example of onions and potatoes, the prices vary at different markets and are sold at different but higher rates. One can agree that not only vendors have been hit very badly due to the present lockdown and other reasons but charging exorbitant prices and selling the commodity at higher prices and allowing hoarding cannot be justified. There is a need to point out that individual items of vegetables and fruits that are charged unjustifiably. The Government machinery remaining silent and immobile is more astonishing and irritating as well.
There is no denying that there are various factors which attribute to the rise in prices of essential commodities such as vegetables such as supply-side issues or production-linked problems. There are transportation and labour factors in the chain and other disruptions in the movement of stocks from production centres to the retail level also. The edible oils have been impacted because of a slowdown in production due to factory closures and labour shortage. However, the government is expected to act where it can to prevent the unscrupulous people from fleecing the common people. The administration especially the concerned department needs to act and take all measures that are needed to prevent price escalation of commodities.
Unchecked Food Price Rise
