Tough Inflation control steps achieve intended goals, but at no small cost

While the steps have had the desired impact to some extent, experts have criticised them for burdening farmers and going against the concepts of open markets and 'atmanirbharta'

Alarmed by the spurt in inflation months before the crucial state assembly elections, the Central Government announced a series of measures this month to control prices of essential commodities largely in the areas of oilseeds and pulses.

The steps announced ranged from suspending futures trade in a host of agricultural commodities, to extending the deadline for free import of pulses and lowering the import duty on refined edible oils.

The measures, all taken in a span of day or two, had the desired impact to a certain extent and latest data shows that the retail prices of all major edible