Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting in Bhubaneswar to assess the availability of essential commodities in the state amid the volatile situation in West Asia.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the officials to remain alert and vigilant against any artificial scarcity of cooking gas and other essential articles.
Voicing concern over the possibility of hoarding and black marketing, the CM instructed officials to conduct statewide raids and take stringent action against unscrupulous traders involved in illegal practices.
Majhi also reviewed the state government’s preparedness to tackle any artificial shortage of essential commodities arising out of the West Asia crisis.
The CM assessed the availability and supply of key items such as petroleum products, cooking gas, and fertilisers across the state
In the meeting, it was revealed that the state has adequate stocks of petroleum, LPG, and other essential commodities.
Majhi stressed the importance of maintaining sufficient stock of fertilisers for the ongoing Rabi cultivation season, so that farmers do not face any disruption.
Officers were asked to undertake widespread awareness campaigns and reassure citizens about the availability of essential commodities.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg presented a detailed overview of the measures being taken by the state government to address the situation.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Development Commissioner D K Singh, Additional Chief Secretaries Hemant Sharma, Shashwat Mishra, Usha Padhee, Vishal Kumar Dev, Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh, and Agriculture Secretary Sachin Ramachandra Yadav.
