Guwahati: Amid uncertainties linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota on Thursday issued a strict warning against hoarding, black marketing, and speculative trading of essential commodities, stating that violators will face stringent legal action.
During a high-level review meeting with all district commissioners, the state government assessed price monitoring systems and market stabilisation measures for essential goods. Officials confirmed that there had been no significant variation in prices between March and May, indicating overall market stability.
However, the Chief Secretary stressed that stable prices do not justify any unjustified or abnormal price hikes by traders or retailers.
Strict Action Planned Against Hoarding and Unfair Trade Practices
Ravi Kota directed district administrations to maintain heightened vigilance and enforce strict market discipline across all districts.
He warned that any attempt to exploit the situation through hoarding, black marketing, speculative trading, or other unfair practices would invite strong action under existing legal and regulatory provisions.
The Chief Secretary also instructed district commissioners to activate and strengthen district-level task forces focused on price monitoring, ensuring regular coordination with wholesalers, retailers, transporters, and trade bodies.
District-Level Monitoring and Enforcement Strengthened
The review meeting highlighted district-wise trends in retail and wholesale prices, stock availability, supply chain risks, enforcement readiness, and coordination mechanisms.
Key standard operating procedures (SOPs) were issued for immediate implementation, including:
- Regular district-level task force meetings on price monitoring
- Sharing of meeting minutes with the state administration
- Similar monitoring meetings at co-district, circle, and block levels
- Intensive field inspections of stock positions and retail pricing
- Formation of coordinated enforcement squads across departments
Authorities have also been directed to ensure mandatory display of wholesale and retail prices at shops and market premises to improve consumer transparency.
CM’s Earlier Directive Reinforces Crackdown on Price Manipulation
The advisory follows earlier instructions from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who on May 18 directed strict action against traders involved in abnormal price hikes. The Chief Minister had also warned that trade licences could be cancelled in serious cases of violations.
Government Focus on Consumer Protection and Market Stability
Ravi Kota emphasised that district commissioners must regularly review market conditions and maintain close coordination with all relevant departments.
He added that proactive monitoring and visible enforcement are essential to maintain public confidence and ensure uninterrupted availability of essential commodities at fair prices across Assam.
