The prevailing lockdown which has further been extended to May 3 is no doubt causing unprecedented difficulties for any common Indian. Along with sudden loss of livelihoods and the all-pervasive fear of the deadly coronavirus, that what has added to misery of millions of commoners is the steady rise of prices of essential commodities. This is a phenomenon which visits unfailingly at times when the nation plunges into some unforeseen difficulties and this time too it’s no exception. Despite the directives issued by central and state governments to thwart any artificial inflation at this critical time, prices are on rise and there is always a tailor-made explanation by a particular segment of sellers- no supply due to breakage of delivery chains etc. In this context, it needs mentioning that movements for   supply of essentials have been kept out of purview of the lockdown regulations and as such, theoretically, there should not be any crisis and prices should remain normal. Since it’s not so on the ground, it’s clear that the habitual ‘foul plays’ are once more being repeated even at this gravest hour of national crisis when day-to-day survival in itself is a huge challenge for any common citizen.

Just like in most major cities of the country, it’s happening in state capital too, burning deep the denizens’ pockets and leaving the vulnerable among them almost high and dry. A series of reports on newspapers and news portals have repeatedly highlighted the woes which have aggravated over the last week. In response, Capital DA has initiated measures comprising the conventional ones such as making surprise checks in markets etc and the innovative one such as lodging complaints through share of such ‘exorbitant-price videos’ on FB page of the DA. Even if it is acknowledged that daily imports from Assam are currently halted, it cannot be accepted as the sole reason for this very high price rise of essentials particularly vegetables. In all probability, somewhere in the distribution chain there must be some dishonest dealings which is the cause of this man-made inflation and it’s for the administration now to unearth them. From common and past experiences, it’s also a fact that in these cases, there should be no real logic in blaming the vendors only and for arriving at the true reason, it will be better to 'explore' the supply chain in total. Several assurances from both central and Arunachal government of having solid reserves of food grains to tide over at least three months have arrived, which otherwise mean there should hardly be any scope for price rise.

For saving the common man, administration must be proactive and ruthless, if need be. These artificial inflation makers should never be spared.