New Delhi, Aug. 25 -- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed senior officials to maintain effective control over the prices of essential commodities and ensure that consumers receive them at reasonable rates. He ordered strict action against those found creating artificial shortages through black marketing, hoarding or profiteering.

CM Dhami asked the Food and Civil Supplies Department and other concerned agencies to regularly monitor the availability and market prices of essential goods. He said officials must keep a close watch on demand and supply conditions and take timely steps wherever required.

District administrations have been instructed to conduct regular market inspections, check prevailing and prescribed...