Press Briefing Monday, 02nd Aug 2010

Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan addressed the media today.

Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan said that she wanted to make a reference to the steps taken by the Government to control particularly food inflation and the other inflationary pressures in the economy after considerable effort. We welcome the fact that food inflation in particular has started to show a downward trend and has gone to single digit due to strenuous efforts and policy. However, we are also aware that the issue of inflation, particularly with regard to food items, is very sensitive and we are absolutely confident that in days and weeks to come; the steps taken by the Government will continue to impact the prices downwards. We would also like to emphasize that this is the joint effort by the Central and State Governments. All should cooperate in taking stern action against hoarders and black-marketers so that the difference between the whole-sale and retail prices may be brought to the minimum. We, therefore, welcome the downward trend and hope that the steps taken will continue to show a good impact on controlling of prices.

To a question on the reaction of the Congress Party over the Government agreeing to the discussion on price-rise in the House resolution, Smt. Natarajan said that in the backdrop of the discussion taking place in the Parliament, we feel it is important to highlight that there has begun a downward trend. It is not a question of satisfaction; it is the question of recognizing that the steps taken have had an impact and hoping that they would continue to have an impact on the future as well.

On another related question on the discussion on the issue, Smt. Natarajan further said this resolution is not indictment of the Government. I have not personally seen the wording and therefore, I am not able to comment directly upon the wording. However, the fact that there is concern and it is not an indictment of the Government and therefore, the resolution is in no way any indictment upon the Government. The resolution states a concern which is shared across the board and which has been, as we have repeatedly stated from this podium and elsewhere, caused by various reasons including external factors, action of State Governments, international prices and climatic conditions.

Smt. Natarajan further said we feel action should be taken against all those who are against the national economy, whether it is black-marketers or hoarders or those who commit economic crimes. We are not against Commodity Exchange as such on principle but in as much as it impacts the economy resulting in price-rise; I would like to ensure that any such trading which goes against national interest should be prevented.

On the question of the reaction of the Congress party on the news reports appearing in the newspaper regarding corruption in the Commonwealth Games Projects, Smt. Natarajan said we would certainly like to understand what the truth of these allegations are? At this point of time, they are allegations and I think the country as a whole and certainly the Congress Party as well would like to understand what the truth of the matter is? However, we would also like to emphasize that it is very important that that Commonwealth Games are a big success because they show-case India, India's achievements, India's economic growth. In no way does it distract from our commitment also that there should be the complete truth of the matter brought to the public domain by investigation or by a probe. Smt. Natarajan said that I am not in any position to comment upon the exact method. I am sure the Government will take a view on that, but I would certainly place on record our commitment that we also would like to get into the truth of the matter. If any wrong doing has been established or will be established after a thorough enquiry, the perpetrators and the guilty should be punished according to the law.

On another question on the situation in J&K, Smt. Natarajan said that I want to very categorically say the situation in Jammu & Kashmir is a matter of great concern. The Prime Minister is directly seized of the matter. We would like to emphasize that it is of utmost importance that the people of Jammu & Kashmir do not fall prey to the designs of those across the border, who are trying to foment the trouble and that peace should be restored as soon as possible. Both the Centre and the State Government should ensure that peace and normalcy returns to the valley as soon as possible.

Tom Vadakkan

Secretary, AICC