UNI

Kolkata, Jul 2: Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said the Centre was taking all possible measures to bring down the prices of wheat, pulses and sugar within a fortnight.

Sugar, pulses and wheat will be imported, besides private agencies would be allowed to strengthen the supply chain, he said.

The decision to import these items were taken due to less production this time, he said, adding there was shortage of six million tonne of wheat this year.

Regarding pulses, he remarked, that the country was never self-sufficient in the crop.

Mukherjee said the Centre would raise government bonds worth Rs 28,000 crore to come to the aid of oil companies as they are facing a deficit of Rs 76,000 crores.

He said restrictions have been introduced on credit availability on the import-export front to prevent bank fraud.

The Union minister said restrictions have been imposed on forward trading also to control prices of essential commodities.

Meanwhile, Mukherjee ruled out a 'unanimous' decision over Telengana, but reiterated that everyone has to be conscious about Telengana's demand for statehood.

He said letters have been sent to all political parties seeking their views on a separate state for Telengana.