In view of the evolving situation in West Asia, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday chaired a virtual meeting with district collectors to review the availability and supply of essential commodities across the state.
The Chief Minister directed all district collectors to keep enforcement squads in 24-hour action mode to prevent any disruption in supply chains. He instructed them to continuously monitor market conditions, take strict action against unscrupulous traders indulging in black marketing, hoarding, or artificial price hikes, and ensure regular monitoring of the availability of essential items.
Emphasising that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the state, CM Majhi assured that the supply chain is being streamlined effectively. He advised the general public not to panic and refrain from unnecessary stockpiling, stating that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, cooking gas, fertilisers, and other essential goods are available. He further asked district collectors to regularly share information on the availability of these items with the public to build confidence and allay any fears.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of team spirit and coordinated efforts at all levels. He recalled the Prime Minister’s recent meeting on March 27 with chief ministers, where PM Narendra Modi urged everyone to work in a “Team India” spirit. Majhi stressed the need for a coordinated approach in crisis management to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essentials.
He also directed strict action against those spreading rumours that create panic, particularly on social media. Crisis management groups have already been formed at both state and district levels to maintain close coordination and monitor the situation.
Key instructions issued by the Chief Minister to district collectors include:
- Keep enforcement squads in round-the-clock action mode.
- Regularly inspect markets and take stringent action against hoarders and black-marketers.
- Monitor availability of petrol, diesel, LPG, fertilisers, and other essentials on a daily basis.
- Launch widespread awareness campaigns to prevent panic among the public.
- Ensure smooth coordination among all departments in a team spirit.
Principal Secretary of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, Sanjay Singh, made a presentation on the steps being taken by the state government. District collectors briefed the Chief Minister on local-level measures and ground realities.
Senior officials present at the meeting included Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner D.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Home & Information and Public Relations) Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Saswata Mishra, Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, and other senior secretaries from relevant departments.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the Odisha government is fully prepared to handle any potential impact from the West Asia situation and remains committed to ensuring the seamless availability of essential commodities for the people of the state. He called upon all stakeholders to work together to maintain normalcy and public confidence.
