Hyderabad|India|December'2009: Chief Minister Mr.K.Rosaiah directed the departments of Civil Supplies, Vigilance & Enforcement wing, A.P. Civil Supplies Corporation and Agriculture & Marketing to step in immediately to keep the prices of essential commodities under control. Mr.Rosaiah said that there are reports that certain elements are taking undue advantage of the prevailing situation in the State and jacking up the prices of essential commodities without any rhyme or reason.

The Chief Minister, who will have a detailed review of the prices of essential commodities at the ensuing Collectors’ Conference, directed that the Departments of Civil Supplies, Vigilance & Enforcement, A.P. Civil Supplies Corporation and Agriculture & Marketing step in immediately to keep the prices of essential commodities under control. Mr.Rosaiah said protecting the interest of the poor and common man will be top priority of the State Government whatever may be the prevailing situation.

The Chief Minister said there is no question of allowing any one to exploit the situation and hike the prices. He said that as such there are no shortages of any of the essential commodities including rice, wheat, pulses or oil but the prices are reportedly ruling high in certain areas. He said he can understand a nominal increase in prices due to the prevailing drought conditions in some parts of the country and unprecedented flash floods that damaged many crops in districts like Kurnool, Nalgonda, Krishna and some parts of Guntur district.

The Chief Minister said however there is no reason for prices to rule for other commodities. “Political situation and agitations in the State cannot be taken as excuse. It has nothing to do with prices of essential commodities. If some of the unscrupulous traders think that they can take advantage of this and exploit the situation by creating artificial shortage and jack up prices, the government will not keep quiet. Stringent action will be taken against such erring traders”, he said.

The Chief Minister also spoke to the Minister for Civil Supplies Mr.Jupalli Krishna Rao over telephone and suggested to closely monitor with the officials concerned. He also directed the Vigilance and Enforcement Department to spot out black-marketers and hoarders and see that the stocks are brought to markets.

He also asked the Civil Supplies and Marketing Department to swing into action immediately and initiate market intervention to sell essential commodities like onion, pulses, palm oil, chillies and superfine rice at reasonable and affordable prices at Rythu Bazaars and Civil Supplies counters throughout the State for which the government would provide all assistance. The departments should also ensure that these goods were made available in sufficient quantities at designated counters and Rythu Bazaars, he directed.

In a separate meeting with CMO officials at his residence, the Chief Minister said that administration has to further gear up to meet the challenges in various sectors. He outlined certain priority subjects to be taken up during the 2-day Collectors Conference likely to be held in the first week of January, 2010 in Jubilee Hall.

The Chief Minister has directed that all district collectors should be fully prepared on the subjects such as Seasonal Conditions, Drought, Flood Relief Measures, Agriculture, Power Supply, Civil Supplies, Prices of Essential Commodities, Integrated verification of beneficiaries in Pensions, Ration Cards & Housing, Welfare, Post Matric Scholarships, Hostels & Residential Schools, Integrated Hostels, Economic Support Schemes & Anganwadi Centres, Health, Public Health in Plain and Tribal Areas, NRHM, APVVP Hospitals, RIMS and Arogyasri, BRGF Grant, 12th Finance Commission Grant, Roads under ZP and MP Component of NREGS, RWS Schemes, SHG Bank Linkages under Pavalavaddi, NREGS & Social Security Pensions, Education, Rajiv Vidya Mission & Mid-day Meal Scheme, Revenue, Land Records, Pattadar Pass Books and Implementation of KRR Committee Recommendations on the first day of the conference.

On the second day, subjects like Industries, PMEGP, INDIRAMMA Housing, Rajiv Gruhakalpa, Land Acquisition for House sites in urban and rural areas, MA&UD, Urban IKP, Water supply and sanitation, UIDSSMT & JNNURM works, Irrigation, land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation apart from one-to-one meetings with Collectors, SPs, CPs etc., will be reviewed.