Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Sep 12: “The department of Food and Civil Supplies will install weighing machines outside the super markets and hyper markets in state to avoid cheating,” said UT Khader, the minister for food and civil supplies on Monday, September 12.

Addressing the media persons in city, he said, “There are more than 2000 supermarkets and hypermarkets in the city. After goods are packed, there is no provision to weigh them hence, there is a greater chance for a consumer to get duped. Thus, the officers of the department have spoken to owners of the various super and hyper markets and have obtained permission to keep the weighing machines.”

Coupons for BPL and APL card holders

Khader said that e-coupons will be issued in addition to the existing coupons in the fair price shops for the months of October, November and December. They will be issued, starting next year.

Caution to Multi-national companies who store food grains

The minister cautioned godowns against storing food grains beyond 2000 quintal in the urban areas and 1000 quintals in the rural areas which causes a hike in prices. “The officials of the department will raid such godowns and seize the storage. Now that the yield has arrived, the prices of pulses are about Rs 45 per kg. As seen a few months ago, the private players are likely to make the most of the increase in demand by hoarding the produce,” he said.

Vandalizing Karnataka firms' assets in Tamil Nadu

On Karnataka-origin-assets being vandalized in Tamil Nadu, he said, “Nothing can be achieved through violence. As Indians we must live in harmony. I believe that the political leaders in Tamil Nadu will guide the people and not let them take law into their hands.”

“The state government has obeyed the order given by the Supreme Court. During protests, a few protesters were of the opinion that Bangarappa showed the courage of his convictions, when he denied water to Tamil Nadu. It was only the order by the Kaveri Tribunal, led by the prime minister, and the pleas of Tamil Nadu to the Supreme Court that made Karnataka let go of the water. The Supreme Court has yet again issued an order, and we must all respect the law of the land.”

“We have all have been pained by the interim order but must obey it. Even the opposition leaders know that the government is bound to obey the court's orders, yet they politicize the issue for no reason. The people must understand the situation and co-operate with the government. The government will again go to court and request a modification of the order that would be favourable to the state. We are obeying the order so that the future verdict of the Supreme Court is favourable to us,” said the minister.

The minister also extended his greetings to all people of the state on the occasion of Eid.