August 6, 1980, Forty Years Ago: Assam Talks

Union Civil Supplies Minister V C Shukla, told the Rajya Sabha today that the government would seriously consider imposing price controls on certain commodities as demanded by a member. Shukla made this remark in response to the various demands and suggestions made by Sadashiv Bagaitkar (MP, Lok Dal) to control the rise in prices. Replying to various points raised by members during a discussion on a calling-attention motion on the current price-rise, he said the government would take stringent steps against hoarders and black marketeers. The minister said he hoped that various steps already taken and proposed to be taken on the price front would start yielding results in the next six months.

Disorder In House

There was complete pandemonium in the Lok sabha for 40 minutes on August 5. It started immediately after the discussion on the short-notice question on the western Kosi Canal Board was over and ended with the harassed Speaker readily accepting a suggestion from Farooq Abdullah that the House be adjourned for lunch. For at least the first 30 minutes, nothing could be heard as more than a score of members were on their feet, shouting at the top of their voice.