He wanted them to propose such programmes which can be implemented within a month but he wanted the proposals to be put before him within just three days. [break]
In a press release, the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies (MoCS) on Friday said it will ask public sector entities to cut the price of basic commodities in a bid to relieve consumers, particularly during the festival season. Responding to the PM´s direction, the ministry proposed a list of programs Friday.
In a draft submitted to the Office of Prime Minister (OPM) today, MoCS has said it will open integrated fair price shops in all districts of the country so that consumers can buy basic goods from a single outlet at reasonable prices.
"We will set up seven fair price shops in three districts of the Kathmandu valley,” said Ganesh Dhakal, spokesperson of MoCS. "Such shops will also be established in every district within a month."
He said that the fair price shop would help consumers buy basic items including rice, pulses, salt, sugar, edible oil, flour, legumes, milk and milk-based products, among others.
"We have also committed to open mobile shops in rural and urban areas of the valley to sell essential commodities at reasonable prices," added Dhakal. "Five mobile shops will come into operation in the valley within a month."
Officials at the ministry said MoCS has planned to form a flying squad for monitoring of the market. The squad will check quality in food and beverage items.
"The flying squad which will also have representation from security agencies will be formed to bring the person or agency to book that is found exercising carteling, syndicate and creating artificial scarcity," said an official. "The squad will strictly check food adulteration."
Spokesperson Dhakal said the programs announced by different ministries will benefit consumers as the great festival Dashain is round the corner. "The programs are not only for the festival season but will continue throughout the year," he said.
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