Centre has asked States and Union Territories to check hoarding and ensure fair prices of essential commodities during the lockdown. Consumer Affairs, Minister Ram Vilas Paswan held a meeting with State and UTs Ministers of Food and Public Distribution through video conference. He directed that Micro-Level Plan should be initiated to ensure that Essential Commodities are available at fair price in the local markets.<br />'' <br />''Mr Paswan said the States have been empowered under the Essential Commodities Act to ensure its compliance. He directed that all arrangements are undertaken to commence the Wheat procurement for the Rabi Market Season 2020-21 from tomorrow. The Minister underlined that social distancing norms are strictly followed during the procurement. He said a duty roster for staff, workers and labourers should be prepared by all procurement centres, godowns, offices and ensure that there is no shortage of labour.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Mr Paswan said all States and Union Territories have been provided with enough food grain stocks to fulfil the targets under the Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana. Under the scheme all PDS beneficiaries will be provided with 5 kilogram food grains per person free of cost for the next three months. The Minister urged the States to accelerate the pace of distribution of food grains and pulses.</span><br />