Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that states should set up special courts for speedy trial of hoarders and black-marketeers. This message was conveyed at a meeting called to review the progress of monsoon.

Modi also reviewed the steps being taken to contain inflation. It was observed that the measures are having a positive effect, with adequate rice stocks reaching the markets. There is now no shortage of onion stocks in Delhi.

Earlier, the Government had announced measures such as asking states to act against hoarders and delisting fruits and vegetables from the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act, besides releasing 5 million tonnes of rice in the open market and providing credit line to states for importing edible oil and pulses.

Slow progress of monsoon

Inflationary expectations are building up due to tardy progress of the monsoon. There has been a deficit of 37 per cent in cumulative rainfall from June 1 across the country, with the monsoon yet to advance to Central and Western India.

However, officials from India Meteorological Department (IMD, present at the meeting said that though the monsoon has been delayed, rainfall is likely to improve substantially in the months of July and August.

The Prime Minister also reviewed the position of water reservoirs and fodder stock. He directed that maximum possible use be made of the existing water resources, and best practices in rainwater harvesting.

Advance action plan

Modi stressed on the need for both Centre and States to proactively mount a coordinated effort in implementing the advance action plan for the monsoon, with districts, rather than states, being the unit of planning.

The Prime Minister emphasised on ensuring adequate power and seed availability for the agricultural sector, and directed that NREGA be used to generate rural employment, if necessary. It may be noted that the Agriculture Ministry has prepared a contingency plan for more than 500 districts.

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