August 30, 2014
WB Govt to take strict measures against strike by potato traders
The West Bengal Government on Friday decidedto take strict measures and stock up potatoes to keep situations normal duringthe three-day strike starting called by some traders.
According to a member of state cabinet, thestate will move strongly against the traders if the price of potatoes continuesbe on the rise. Since potato is an essential commodity, the state governmenthas the right to seize potatoes from traders and sell them to people at therate fixed by the government, the minister informed.
The state government came up with thisdecision after holding a high- level meeting on potato price crisis at Nabannaon Friday. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee presided over the meeting. Higherofficials of police's enforcement branch, agriculture minister and agriculturesecretary were also present at the meeting.
Meanwhile, the state government is procuringpotatoes directly from farmers and storing them in a government warehouses. Thegovernment will sell these potatoes to retailers directly to be sold in theretail market at Rs 14/kg, the price fixed by the government.
