Price task force hits mkts after CM warning

Time of India

09-05-2025

Kolkata: Following a warning from CM
Mamata Banerjee
against
hoarding and profiteering
, all retail and wholesale markets across the state were brought under strict surveillance. The move aims to prevent artificial inflation of
essential commodity prices
amid rising national concerns over supply and affordability.On Thursday, the CM addressed task force members and trade associations, urging them to step up their vigilance in the public interest. In response, the state task force sprang into action, initiating coordination with presidents and secretaries of local markets to ensure price monitoring and stock regulation. "We are preparing a plan to carry out continuous surveillance from early next week," said Kamal De, task force member and president of
West Bengal Vendor Association
.
"While fish and vegetable markets are less prone to manipulation, there's a greater chance of hoarding in essential items like potatoes, onions, rice, pulses, and edible oil. We will cover both wholesale and retail markets."Task force members visited several markets on Friday, including Maniktala, one of Kolkata's major hubs. Officers from Bottola PS also joined the inspections. "We are fully cooperating with the local police, who are now tracking retail prices daily," said Bijoy Shaw, market secretary of Maniktala and a task force member.
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"Small retailers don't have the capacity to hoard. Greater scrutiny should be placed on wholesalers. As of now, prices are stable, but we are maintaining a close watch."Chandan Chakraborty, secretary of the Howrah Vendors' Association, called for broader reforms in the surveillance system. "The Task Force needs to be more active and consistent. People with better market knowledge should be inducted into the team. And traders themselves must act more humanely in this time."Meanwhile, reports from Maniktala market show largely stable prices across most items. However, prices of Chandramukhi potatoes surged following high procurement costs — Rs 700 per sack plus transportation — making it impossible for traders to sell below Rs 35 per kg.Kolkata: Following a warning from CM Mamata Banerjee against hoarding and profiteering, all retail and wholesale markets across the state were brought under strict surveillance. The move aims to prevent artificial inflation of essential commodity prices amid rising national concerns over supply and affordability.On Thursday, the CM addressed task force members and trade associations, urging them to step up their vigilance in the public interest. In response, the state task force sprang into action, initiating coordination with presidents and secretaries of local markets to ensure price monitoring and stock regulation. "We are preparing a plan to carry out continuous surveillance from early next week," said Kamal De, task force member and president of West Bengal Vendor Association. "While fish and vegetable markets are less prone to manipulation, there's a greater chance of hoarding in essential items like potatoes, onions, rice, pulses, and edible oil. We will cover both wholesale and retail markets."Task force members visited several markets on Friday, including Maniktala, one of Kolkata's major hubs. Officers from Bottola PS also joined the inspections. "We are fully cooperating with the local police, who are now tracking retail prices daily," said Bijoy Shaw, market secretary of Maniktala and a task force member. "Small retailers don't have the capacity to hoard. Greater scrutiny should be placed on wholesalers. As of now, prices are stable, but we are maintaining a close watch."Chandan Chakraborty, secretary of the Howrah Vendors' Association, called for broader reforms in the surveillance system. "The Task Force needs to be more active and consistent. People with better market knowledge should be inducted into the team. And traders themselves must act more humanely in this time."Meanwhile, reports from Maniktala market show largely stable prices across most items. However, prices of Chandramukhi potatoes surged following high procurement costs — Rs 700 per sack plus transportation — making it impossible for traders to sell below Rs 35 per kg.