Government fixes MRP of 15 food items against the free market policy

The government has, at last, fixed Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) for 15 daily consumable food items promising to provide relief to the people.

However, lowering the prices of consumable goods ‘unnaturally’ by Rs 1 to 13 per kg, the government has not only backtracked the free market policy and curtailed a consumer’s rights, but also promoted ‘state syndicate’ in cooperation with some traders.

One one hand a consumer cannot choose the quality of goods and pay the price accordingly and on the other, the prices will never come down the government fixed price helping traders to cartel.

The government has reduced prices of mung pulse by Rs 13 per kg and wheat flour price by Rs 1 per kg.
A meeting chaired by chief secretary Lila Mani Poudel today fixed the MRPs of four varieties of rice and two varieties each of mas pulse, lentil and mung pulse, apart from gram, white pea, bean, wheat flour refined flour and all kinds of edible oils.

“The decision will be effective from tomorrow but the prices are subject to review every fortnight, if necessary.

Officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies, home, agriculture and private sector representatives, especially traders were also present in the meeting. The traders also agreed to abide by the MRP, according to the ministry. Or they will be punished.”
But traders sought one week’s time to implement the decision as they have to clear the stocks of earlier purchased goods.

Similarly, the government has directed Salt Trading Corporation to fix the MRP of salt and sugar.