Cooperative Consumer Fair begins

KOCHI: The Consumer fed has not got its share of Rs 175 crore that was promised. Steps will be taken at the earliest to give Consumerfed its due, Excise Minister K Babu has said.
He was inaugurating the districtlevel Cooperative Consumer Fair at Rajendra Maidan here on Sunday. "Such fairs are in demand owing to the skyrocketing prices. Their success proves that the public needs government intervention," he said.He added that since the Consumerfed was coming up with such fairs, there was a huge financial burden. Hence, efforts will be taken to aid the Consumerfed in every possible way. "The Consumerfed is giving 20 items at a subsidised rate (15% 60%) which is of immense relief to the common man. The market intervention by the Civil Supplies Department and the Consumerfed has helped the people to an extent," he said. The fair that commenced on Saturday will continue as Onam fair and Ramzan fair. Over 3,000 such fairs will be held in the state. Hibi Eden MLA presided over the function and Mayor Tony Chammani was the chief guest. Deputy Mayor Bhadra Satheesh delivered the keynote address. The amount of various items in the fair (in bracket is its market rate). Jaya rice 16 (23), Kuruva 16 (21), Sugar 14 (19), Coconut oil 95 (120) jaggery 26 (33) etc. ENS