KOCHI: The government will initiate steps to control the spiralling prices of rice during Christmas season, Food and Civil Supplies Minister P Thilothaman said here on Sunday.
“The government will purchase rice from other states directly. Though there are some issues, the government will ensure the supply of adequate quantity of Jaya rice. We will not allow exploitation of consumers in the name of GST,” the minister said while inaugurating the Supplyco Christmas District Fair at Marine Drive here.
“The government has ensured adequate supply of essentials without compromising on quality. To ensure effective market intervention, we have increased the government grant to the Civil Supplies Corporation from `150 crore to `200 crore. The Supplyco outlets are selling more than 70 non-subsidised essential commodities and we haven’t increased the price of these commodities in the name of GST,” he said.
Hibi Eden MLA presided over the function. K V Thomas MP, Mayor Soumini Jain, John Fernandes MLA, councillor Gracy Babu Jacob and C G Rajmohan participated. Supplyco general manager K Babu welcomed the gathering and regional manager Benny Joseph offered vote of thanks.
The Supplyco has organised district Christmas fairs at Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thrissur to ensure adequate supply of essential commodities at affordable rates. The fairs will continue till December 24.
Apart from this, the Supplyco will open 412 supermarkets, 27 People’s Bazaars and five hypermarkets during the Christmas season. Christmas cakes and decoration items will also be available at these outlets.