Thiruvananthapuram, Wednesday 16 March 2010: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan said that the growth of major retail outlets had affected the survival of smaller local retailers.

Speaking after inaugurating the World Consumer Day programme organised by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Achuthanandan said compared to retail giants, the consumers could expect more transparency in dealing with small-scale local retailers who had a stronger relation with the customers.

“The consumers in the country are suffering due to the steep price rice of essential commodities. Price rise is the topic that needs to be discussed on this World Consumer Day,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the policies of the Central government were adversely affecting the State government’s stand to protect the interest of consumers through proper market intervention and strengthening of the public distribution system.

“The State government’s stand to protect the rights of consumers is evident from the budget announcement of providing ration rice at a rate of Rs.2 to farmers and labourers besides BPL families,” Achuthanandan said.