Guwahati, 18 May (HS): Amid growing concern over increasing prices of essential commodities, the Assam government on Tuesday stepped up its market monitoring measures and cautioned traders against any abnormal price escalation.

At a high-level review meeting held to assess the existing price monitoring system, the chief minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma instructed all Deputy Commissioners to hold meetings of district-level monitoring committees within the next three to four days to keep a close watch on market conditions.

The administration has also made it mandatory for wholesale and retail shops to clearly display the prices of essential goods. Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing overpricing.

Warning traders against unfair price manipulation, the government stated that stringent action, including cancellation of trade licences, would be initiated against businesses found involved in abnormal price hikes.

To improve coordination and oversight, weekly review meetings involving Deputy Commissioners, chambers of commerce and various trade bodies will now be conducted on a regular basis across the state.

The government further directed authorities to intensify field inspections in markets to identify and curb any unusual increase in prices of daily essentials.

In a separate decision, steps have also been initiated to accelerate Aadhaar linkage for beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana to resolve issues related to LPG cylinder distribution.

Reaffirming its commitment to consumers, the state government said all necessary measures are being taken to maintain stability in the supply and pricing of essential commodities across Assam.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash