Cong seeks to take credit for govt's price control measures

Congress today sought to take credit for the slew of measures announced by the government to bring down prices of essential commodities.

Congress on Wendesday sought to take credit for the slew of measures announced by the government to bring down prices of essential commodities.

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"It (price rise) is a serious issue where concern has been expressed at the highest level, including by Congress President Sonia Gandhi," party spokesman Manish Tewari told reporters here when asked about the decisions at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Prices.

Tewari, however, said in controlling prices, the state governments - whether of the Congress or opposition parties -too have a responsibility as administration of the Public Distribution System and enforcement of the Essential Commodities Act lie with them.

He referred to the announcements made by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar to increase availability of sugar, pulses and other commodities and said due to drought there was shortfall in production.

Tewari also pointed out that sugarcane production was "cyclical" in nature and every 2-3 years, there is some shortfall.

He said the government has been taking measures and was committed to bring down food prices. All "fiscal and monetary steps" will be taken in this regard.