Supplies minister vows smooth supply of essential commodities

<p><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">Supplies Minister Shiva Kumar Mandal has said the government is alert on the smooth supply of essential commodities during the Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festivals.</span><br></p><p><br></p><p>Speaking at a press meet in Birathnagar today, he made it clear that the government would be tough against those found involved in black marketing, creating artificial shortage and selling goods at exorbitant price.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>The minister underlined the need of a separate legislation providing powers to the ministry to take action against black marketeers and unscrupulous businessmen who cheat customers, citing the present legislation does not give that power to the ministry but to another body.</p>