Bhubaneswar: The CPI(M) Odisha State Secretariat has urged the state government to take immediate measures in order to ensure preparedness for a possible cyclone and curb the spiralling prices of essential commodities, warning that rising costs and the threat of a natural disaster could place an additional burden on the common people.
According to the party, prices of essential items, including potatoes, onions, rice, pulses, edible oil and vegetables, have surged, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary families to manage their household expenses.
Daily wage earners, workers, farmers, agricultural labourers and low-income households are among the worst affected by the price rise.
The CPI(M) expressed concern that unscrupulous traders might exploit the possibility of a cyclone to increase prices further, create artificial shortages, engage in illegal hoarding and resort to black marketing.
It called on the government to take stringent action against such practices to protect consumers from additional financial hardship.
The party stressed that cyclone preparedness should go beyond weather alerts and official announcements.
It said the government must prioritise the protection of lives and livelihoods, ensure food security and maintain the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities across the state.
Demanding immediate intervention, the party called for daily monitoring of prices and regular inspections of warehouses, wholesale markets and retail outlets.
It urged the authorities to take strict legal action against illegal hoarding, artificial shortages, black marketing and the sale of essential goods at excessive prices.
The party also called for adequate stocks of rice, pulses, potatoes, onions, edible oil, drinking water, medicines and dry food to be maintained in all districts, particularly in cyclone-prone areas.
It emphasised the need to keep cyclone shelters, relief supplies, healthcare facilities, electricity and communication networks ready to respond to any emergency.
The party further demanded timely assistance for people living in vulnerable and disaster-prone areas, along with affordable access to essential food items for poor families, daily wage earners, workers, farmers and agricultural labourers.
It also urged the government to establish a dedicated helpline and an effective grievance redressal mechanism to address complaints relating to price hikes, hoarding and black marketing.
The party maintained that the state government must take concrete and effective steps without delay to prevent profiteering, ensure the availability of essential goods and safeguard the public against the combined impact of rising prices and a possible cyclone.
