1 Uncorrected/ Not for publication- 08.12.2009 SSS-AKG/11.00/1A ...

206Uncorrected/ Not for publication- 08.12.2009DR. BARUN MUKHERJI (WEST BENGAL): Mr. Deputy Chairman, Sir, itis a matter of great concern not only due to the fact that the prices aresteadily rising but also due to the fact that the Government is quiteindifferent about it. We are at a loss to think as to what is going on.Some of the earlier speakers have already said that it is for the thirdtime that we are discussing the same issue, namely, price rise, duringthe second term of the UPA Government. Periodically, this is comingup, we are discussing it and the same stereotyped answer is coming butthe problem remains the same. Not only it remains the same but it isalso becoming acute day-by-day. It is really a matter of great concernfor the whole nation.(Contd. by sk-3y)SK/3Y/5.55DR. BARUN MUKHERJI (CONTD.): If the Government is concerned forthe people, we expect them to tackle this crisis on war footing. Wemay prosper in many ways. We may feel proud saying that the GDP isimproving and all these things. But when it comes to the essentialcommodities, prices are rising steadily. Starting from salt to sugar, fromrice to pulses, prices of every thing are rising. We are gradually havingthe impression that the Government is not very serious about it, and thatreally is a matter of concern. It has been repeatedly demanded,particularly from the Opposition parties, that the forward trading shouldbe banned. But, it has not been banned, and no categorical answer iscoming as to why it has not been banned. We have analysed thatthese profiteers, hoarders, the people engaged in forward trading, theyare causing the serious price rise. But the Government is reluctant to