Centre has asked states to consider pricing policy to cap prices of essential commodities. An official release said states have been requested to consider a pricing policy for pulses and other essential food items and to make it enforceable for all the stake holders to cap the prices of essential commodities.<br/><br/>Centre has also urged the states to remove all local taxes on essential food items in order to ensure adequate availability of pulses, edible oils and other food items at reasonable prices.<br/><br/>In a letter written to Chief Secretaries of the States, Secretary, Union Department of Consumer Affairs has asked to take up the market intervention on a real time basis and to review Agriculture Produce Market Committee Act on priority to delist pulses and other essential food items.<br/><br/>It will ensure reasonable prices for consumers and also fetch better prices for farmers.<br/><br/>The Secretary has also asked the States to implement the Price Stabilization Fund Scheme for market intervention to enhance availability and check prices of essential. States have also been requested to keep a close watch on hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities in view of coming festival season.<br/><br/>