Shillong, Sept 9: Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Methodius Dkhar on September 8 stressed the importance of effective and timely price monitoring to prevent consumers, particularly vulnerable households, from being affected by abnormal and unjustified price rise.
Addressing a workshop on the Price Monitoring System, the minister highlighted the government’s responsibility to monitor prices of essential commodities, with regular and accurate reporting accorded priority.
“The department collects price data on 41 essential commodities from different districts. Reliable information is essential for the government to track price trends and take appropriate measures whenever required,” he said.
The Minister acknowledged challenges faced by officials in remote areas related to communication and connectivity and urged them to openly share their concerns to make the system more practical and effective.
He said the presence of officials from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution provided an opportunity for state officials to highlight field-level issues and seek clarifications.
The event was organised by the Directorate of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs at the Secretariat, Shillong. The workshop aimed at strengthening price surveillance, ensuring fair market practices, preventing hoarding and safeguarding consumer interests.
During the programme, Assistant Director, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Radhika Goyal and Senior Statistical Officer, Sandeep Kumar made presentations on the Price Monitoring System, reporting mechanisms and monitoring requirements.
Officials from districts and civil sub-divisions also participated in an interactive session and raised issues faced during field-level monitoring and reporting.
Commissioner and Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Pravin Bakshi, Director I Mawlong and other officials attended the workshop.
