Kathmandu, September 12

Lawmakers have directed the government to ensure and ease supply of daily essentials in upcoming festive season.

During a meeting of the Industry, Commerce, Labour and Consumer Interest Committee of the Federal Parliament today, the lawmakers directed the government to address the grievances of the public with regard to crisis of daily essentials.

The lawmakers have drawn the attention of the related ministries like Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ministry of Finance and their line agencies for regular supply of daily consumable goods, including foodstuffs, medicines, clothing, electronic appliances, dairy products and others.

The committee has directed the government to form strong and effective market monitoring mechanisms to stop black market activities and control inflation.

Lawmakers said that the government bodies should focus on regular supply of petroleum products and meat and meat products in the market.

While the committee has directed the government to establish fair price shops across the country, the government has already set up 73 such outlets across the country. Salt Trading Corporation is operating a total of 35 fair price shops, including three mobile outlets, while Food Management and Trade Company and Dairy Development Corporation are operating 23 and 15 fair price shops, respectively, within and outside the Valley.

The committee has also directed the government to fix the price of sugar and ensure sufficient vehicles and tickets for travellers during festivals like Dashain, Tihar and Chhath.