PM to discuss price rise with chief ministers

Pawar told reporters here after a cabinet meeting that the prime minister would also discuss the implementation of the Essential Commodities Act with the chief ministers.

Pawar also said that state governments were not lifting the wheat and rice stocks made available to them by the central government.

He added that states had been told to take stern action against hoarders of food. "This will also be reviewed in the conference of chief ministers."

Additionally, steps will be taken to check smuggling of sugarcane and sugar from India to Nepal, he said.