KOLKATA, Sep 2:
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday said his government was taking measures to control the prices of essential commodities, particularly sugar, while promising strict action against unfair trade practices.
Inaugurating a Consumer Protection Week programme at Hogg Market in central Kolkata, Adhikari said sugar prices had risen by more than 30 per cent in the state in the past month. He claimed prices had started to decline marginally following government intervention.
The Enforcement Branch has been conducting inspections in markets across Kolkata and other cities to monitor prices and prevent unfair practices. The government is also focusing on food adulteration, manipulation of weights and measures and the use of harmful chemicals and colours to make vegetables and fish appear fresh.
Adhikari said additional funds would be provided to the Consumer Affairs Department, along with new recruitment and modern equipment for quality and measurement testing.
He also warned of strict action against fraud in residential flat bookings and other practices that exploit consumers.