Shillong, August 28: The opposition parties in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, including the TMC and VPP, have voiced serious concerns over the sharp increase in the prices of essential commodities such as food grains, vegetables, fish, meat, and oils, which have been escalating at irregular intervals.
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) chief and Nongkrem MLA, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, has called on the state government to invoke the Essential Commodities Act. He emphasized the need for immediate government intervention to control the skyrocketing prices. “The state government has to intervene. The government may have to invoke the Essential Commodities Act and find out why people are suffering due to the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities,” said Basaiawmoit.
He also criticized the handling of his concerns in the Assembly, stating, “I think this is very important; I should have been given a chance. If the Speaker can convert the Zero Hour notice to a call attention, why can’t the Speaker instruct the Chief Minister or one of the Deputy Chief Ministers to reply or respond to my short-duration discussion?”
Basaiawmoit pointed out the discrepancy in pricing, particularly between Iewduh market and localities, noting that the rates in Iewduh are cheaper. He urged the government to take the issue seriously by fixing rates, conducting inspections, and finding solutions. “The government will have to deal with the rates very seriously,” he added.
Meanwhile, TMC Parliamentary Party Leader Dr. Mukul Sangma criticized the government for failing to address the rising costs of essential goods. “Everything across the board is going up. Look at the cost of chicken; it’s double the price in Tura compared to Goalpara, you go to Mankachar, just 9 km from Ampati, and the price of chicken in Ampati is double. Whose responsibility is it? Is it not the responsibility of the government?” Dr. Sangma questioned.
He warned the government against ignoring the growing discontent among the people. “Don’t allow these angers to accumulate because of pent-up feelings. This is not good. Show that we are concerned. It is the binding responsibility of those vested with this sacred duty to address these issues,” Dr. Sangma stated, urging the authorities to take immediate action to fulfill their responsibilities towards the citizens of the state.