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PM admits shortage of oil, pulses, assures imports

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee admitted there was a shortage of edible oil and pulses in the country but assured that imports worth Rs 27 billion and Rs 8 billion respectively of these items would normalise the situation very soon.

Addressing a public meeting on Hardoi Road on the outskirts of Lucknow on Wednesday, the prime minister expressed sympathy for the common people in the time of spiralling prices of the essential commodities and described the reasons as beyond control.

He, however, said the government was well aware of the woes of the people, specially the housewives, and the situation would be brought under control soon on this front.

Referring to hoarding of and profiteering on essential commodities, Vajpayee said those acting as middlemen between producers and consumers might be involved in the abnormal price rise. ''There is a limit to profiteering and beyond that the government would adopt harsh measures,'' he warned.

He also did not spare the opposition parties for rumour- mongering over the availability of essential commodities and advised the people to be wary of such designs. Citing the example of rumour about shortage of common salt, he alleged, though without naming any party, that it was spread with an eye over the assembly elections in three states.

Vajpayee regretted that the financial position of the country was already bad and it had worsened due to the untimely rains and unprecedented floods this year.

The improper handling of policies at various levels had resulted into lack of infrastructural facilities and the inefficiency of many public sector units, he lamented.

Earlier, the prime minister initiated various projects including the power unit where electricity would be generated from garbage.

UNI

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