Noting that the government was concerned about inflation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Sunday more steps could be taken to contain it
NEW DELHI: Noting that the government was concerned about inflation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Sunday more steps could be taken to contain it and a moderation could be expected in a couple of weeks.
Attributing the inflation to rise in prices of certain commodities internationally, Singh said the government has already taken steps to check the upward trend of prices.
"We are all concerned. The Cabinet Committee on Prices met and took certain decisions. Whatever more can be done, will be done," he said at the Rashtrapati Bhawan after the swearing-in of new ministers.
Asked about the time-frame by which the inflation was expected to moderate, the Prime Minister said "there is no time-frame, I can honestly say. In a couple of weeks it is expected (to moderate)."
Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who was also present, said the government was seized of the matter relating to inflation and was taking steps to contain it.
The Prime Minister said there were "difficulties" as prices of foodgrains and petroleum products worldwide were going up."
He, however, pointed out that the government had not allowed rise in prices of items being sold through the Public Distribution System (PDS) to those Below Poverty Line and Above Poverty Line.
The Prime Minister's comments came shortly after ruling UPA's Left allies and UNPA said the government would have to pay a "heavy political price" over inflation and announced a decision to launch nationwide agitation from April 16.
Senior BJP leader L K Advani also said earlier in the day that the government would pay "heavy price" over the rising costs of essential commodities.
The Prime Minister said "Efforts are being made (to control the prices)".
He noted that international prices of crude oil had risen from 30 dollars per barrel to 110 dollars per barrel.
"Despite that, we have not allowed much increase in the prices of kerosene, diesel and petrol," Singh said.
Asked about stability of his government in view of increasing attack by Left allies over price rise, the Prime Minister said "we will complete our full term".
Queried whether Sunday's reshuffle would be the last one, Singh said "there is no such thing as finality. Whatever I had to do, I have done it. For the time being, it is enough."
On Sunday's reshuffle when seven new faces were inducted into the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister said the exercise was intended to introduce "younger and more experienced people".
When referred to suggestions by some sections of Congress that more young party MPs should be made ministers, Singh quipped, "That is a suggestion for action."
Asked whether Rahul Gandhi had expressed any views with regard to the reshuffle, Singh said opinion of all sections of the party had been taken into account in the exercise.
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