The Union Minister, Piyush Goyal, has affirmed the government’s commitment to preventing price spikes in essential food items, such as onions, tomatoes, and pulses, especially during elections.
Goyal, who heads the Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry, emphasised the Modi government’s successful track record in swiftly controlling rates after temporary increases.
In an interview with PTI, he assured that measures would be taken to alleviate any strain on the household budget, particularly for “Nari-Shakti” (women).
Responding to concerns about potential food price spikes during the upcoming general elections, Goyal stated, “We are going to be on top of it. And I can assure the people of India that this government cares for the women of India.” He highlighted the government’s substantial allocation of approximately Rs 28,000 crore to the Price Stabilization Fund in recent years to combat food inflation.
Goyal affirmed the government’s proactive stance, pledging ongoing support for women and families to ensure a better household budget. With the Election Commission expected to announce the poll schedule soon and Lok Sabha elections anticipated in April-May, the minister discussed various government measures taken in recent years to control prices of key food items.
During the interview, Goyal pointed out India’s resilience in maintaining reasonable inflation levels, even during global food inflation crises. He noted that the government promptly addressed price spikes, citing examples such as intervening during a tomato price increase due to weather conditions in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Karnataka.
The minister emphasised that the government consistently intervenes to prevent prolonged price elevations and actively manages situations where onion and pulse prices rise.
Goyal also highlighted initiatives to provide relief to the public, including the introduction of subsidized items like Bharat Chana dal, Bharat Atta (wheat flour) and Bharat rice at affordable prices in the open market.
Goyal reassured the public that despite lower onion output estimates for 2023-24, the government would be proactive in addressing the situation. The government utilizes outlets from NCCF, NAFED, Kendriya Bhandar, and state government retail stores for the sale of subsidized items, and e-commerce platforms have been enlisted for this purpose as well.
