Chennai, Oct 31:
The Tamil Nadu Government has warned traders and others against hoarding essential commodities and selling them in the black market, cautioning that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in such practices.
The warning comes amid a rise in the prices of essential food items. The government said the Civil Supplies Criminal Investigation Department (CSCID) and enforcement teams were monitoring the situation and would take action against those creating artificial shortages or indulging in illegal trade.
As part of efforts to keep prices under control, the government has introduced a special grocery kit containing 10 essential items for Rs 200. The 1,450-gram kit is being sold through 128 cooperative outlets in areas outside municipal corporations. The items include Bengal gram, green gram, dry chillies, coriander seeds, garlic, tamarind, mustard, split urad dal, cumin and fennel.
The government has also announced a further 10 per cent reduction in the prices of six grocery items at sales outlets in municipal corporation areas from October 30. Toor dal is proposed to be sold at a subsidised price of Rs 130 per kg.
The Price Monitoring Cell of the Food and Consumer Protection Department is monitoring the prices of 67 essential commodities on a daily basis. The government has also assured uninterrupted supply of rice, sugar, palm oil and pulses through the Public Distribution System.
It reiterated that action would be taken against anyone found hoarding essential commodities or selling them in the black market.