Coronavirus Scare: No Shortage Of Essential Commodities In Odisha, Says Minister

Bhubaneswar: Taking note that the people of Odisha have resorted to panic buying in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak, the state government on Tuesday said that there is adequate stock of essential commodities.

Briefing mediapersons here, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain attributed the panic buying situation to rumour-mongers, who are spreading misinformation regarding the shortage of food and essential items.

“I assure the people that as there is enough stock of essential items in Odisha and they should refrain from panic buying. I have taken up the matter with the district collectors and the line departments to make the people aware of this. The state government will take stringent action against those spreading such rumours ,” the minister added.

Swain further said that a decision will be taken in a couple of days for the distribution of the three-month PDS ration in advance among the beneficiaries.

On the acute shortage of masks and hand sanitizers in the state, Swain said the short supply is due to the less production of these items. “The state government is making efforts to increase the production and supply of these items to meet the demand,” he pointed out.