May 29: The government has announced to maintain healthy competition in the market by ending all types of syndicate, cartelling, artificial shortage and black marketing.

Presenting the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2023/24 in the federal parliament on Monday, Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat said production, storage and distribution system would be improved for easy and smooth supply of essential goods across the country including the rural and remote areas.

He mentioned that quality of basic services including education, health, drinking water, communications and transport would be ensured.

Dr Mahat said that market monitoring and regulation will be strengthened to make the concerned bodies strong enough to protect consumers rights.

A system would be developed to get updated information of production, stock and supply of essential goods available across the country. The government has adopted a policy to encourage cooperatives to run fair price shops, Dr Mahat said. -- RSS