THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Evaluating the news published by Kerala Kaumudi yesterday citing the sharp rise in prices, the Government assured in the Legislative Assembly that it will take countermeasures.

Finance Minister KN Balagopal said that there will be special attention in the case of Supplyco and Agriculture Minister P Prasad said that vegetables will be distributed through mobile units without middlemen.

Roji M John, who gave the notice for the adjournment motion, attacked the government by highlighting the Kerala Kaumudi news. "Supplyco should be paid Rs 3500 crore by Central and State Governments, State owes Rs 1475 crore for subsidy-market intervention, Center owes Rs 1079 crore for rice procurement... Aniyan Bava Chetan Bava...both are too good sir. The arrears of rice for school lunch is 150 crores. At least the rent amount for the helicopter should be given for school lunch sir..." Roji criticized.

Responding to the criticism, GR Anil also quoted 'Kerala Kaumudi' and retaliated. 'I also read Kerala Kaumudi. It says that the reason for the increase in prices is due to low rainfall and heat in North India. The arrival of vegetables from Tamil Nadu has also decreased' - the minister pointed out. The opposition walked out after the emergency resolution was denied.

"Apart from getting fair price for farmers' products, steps will be taken to provide vegetables at a lower price

-P. Prasad,

Agriculture Minister

"Prices can be controlled if subsidized items are distributed. This government will be known as the government that became the murderer of SUPPLYCO in its fiftieth year.

V. D. Satheesan,

Leader of the Opposition

Centre's economic policies the reason: GR Anil

Minister GR Anil replied to the urgent motion notice saying that the Centre's economic policies were the reason for the price hike. The rate of price increase in Kerala is lower than in the manufacturing states. The State Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary and the District Committees headed by the District Collectors are evaluating the market price and taking action. A meeting was also held under the chairmanship of the Minister of Agriculture on 24th. Rice is bought at Rs 41 and sold at Rs 30 through Civil Supplies.

SUPPLYCO with no supply: Rogi

Roji M John said that the people are struggling due to price hikes, and the government is the only one who does not know about it. SupplyCo has become out of supply. A vegetable kit for Rs 50 now costs Rs 100. The price of Matta rice rose to 64. Even the price of cattle feed and chicken feed has gone up. Even as retail prices are falling nationally, prices are rising in Kerala.