Strict action against those selling essentials at inflated price: Maharashtra Government

As the lockdown in the state has extended till April 30, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat has asked the divisional commissioners and district collectors to supervise that food grains are provided to migrated labourers and workers.  

The food grains to the migrant families are to be provided under the Public Distribution Scheme as a part of the ration card. The Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies department have issued directives in this regard. 

Balasaheb Thorat further said that despite such directives, food grains are not being supplied to the migrant workers and labourers stranded in Maharashtra due to the lockdown amid the coronavirus outbreak. 

“It has come to our notice that despite such directives, the food grains are not being provided to migrant families. Wide publicity should be given for the directives issued by the Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Department,” Balasaheb Thorat was quoted by the Free Press Journal as saying. 

Furthermore, the senior Congress leader said that action will be taken against those selling essential items at inflated rates in grocery shops. Many complaints in regard to essential commodities being sold at the high price have been raised, Thorat said. 

In order to ease the burden for the public, the Maharashtra Revenue Minister has directed the divisional commissioners and district collectors to launch a special helpline. 

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Chhagan Bhujbal said that special squads have been set up by the department of weights and measures which will take action against those indulging in black marketing, hoarding and selling of essential commodities at a high price. 

Bhujbal said that these squads will initiate action after evaluating the stock in the godowns, cold chains and the price at which essential commodities are sold. 

“The Department of food and civil supplies has issued a directive for a joint action with departments of revenue and police to curb such instances during the lockdown,” Bhujbal was quoted by FPJ as saying. 

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