Kolkata, 01 September (H.S.):

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday said his government was taking strict measures to control the rising prices of essential commodities. The government has intensified monitoring and enforcement, particularly in view of the sharp increase in sugar prices over the past month.

Inaugurating a Consumer Protection Week programme at the historic Hogg Market in central Kolkata, the Chief Minister said retail prices of sugar and vegetables had increased, though sugar prices had declined marginally following government intervention.

He said Enforcement Branch officials were conducting regular inspections in markets across Kolkata and other parts of the state to monitor prices of essential commodities and prevent unfair trade practices.

Adhikari said the government would adopt a zero-tolerance policy against adulteration, black marketing and fraud targeting consumers. Action would also be taken against the use of harmful chemicals or colours to make vegetables and fish appear fresh, as well as against manipulation of weights and measurements.

The Chief Minister said complaints of fraud in flat bookings were also being received regularly. People were allegedly being lured through fake advertisements and asked to pay advance money for flats. He assured that strict action would be taken against such fraudulent practices.

Adhikari also announced several measures to strengthen the Consumer Affairs Department, including additional budgetary allocations, recruitment of personnel and provision of modern equipment for quality and measurement testing.

He further said that full cooperation from the Enforcement Branch and Anti-Corruption Branch would be ensured to make enforcement of the state Consumer Protection Act more effective.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh