New Delhi, Apr 7 (IANS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed his ministry officials to ensure that there is no hoarding or black marketeering of essential commodities across the country during the lockdown period thats in place to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

Shah also instructed the officials to take the help of state governments in managing the situation so that there is no problem in the supply of essential goods.

Shah gave the directions while reviewing the status of essential commodities and lockdown measures across the country, and "directed to ensure, with cooperation of state governments, that there should be no hoarding or black marketeering".

Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Punya Salila Srivastava, shared the information while addressing a joint press briefing.

"Shah has directed to take swift and strict action against hoarders," Srivastava said.

She further said that the Department of Consumer Affairs is monitoring the situation while the government is closely monitoring the movement of pharmaceuticals along with other essential commodities.

The movement of pharmaceuticals has been largely stabilised. Under the Lifeline Udaan scheme initiated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, over 200 tonnes of cargo have been transported till April 6 through 152 flights, the official informed.

For the transportation of essential commodities, the India Railways till April 6 has loaded 8,897 rakes or 4,57,296 wagons. "With these steps, we hope to effectively implement the lockdown measures so that people do not face any problem," she said.

Noting that there are several festivals lined up in the coming weeks, Srivastava said that several community leaders have come forward and convinced their respective communities to assist the government in strictly implementing the lockdown.

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