Panaji, Apr 5 (UNI) The Goa State Horticulture Corporation Limited (GSHCL) started providing vegetables at subsidised rates from today in order to provide relief to people who are reeling under rising vegetable prices.

The vegetables are being made available at the GSHCL stalls situated in various talukas of the state.

Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had yesterday announced that the GSHCL would be compensated for the losses it incurs in the implementation of the scheme.

Mr Kamat said the Government was starting the scheme as the people had complained of soaring prices. Each customer would be entitled to purchase upto two kilograms of vegetables at a time under the scheme.

Meanwhile, a six-member Cabinet committee, headed by the Chief Minister himself, has also been constituted to monitor the rising prices of commodities.

GSHCL managing director Orlando Rodrigues said the Corporation has 55 outlets across the state. Only few outlets commenced selling the vegetables today, but vegetables at subsidised prices would be made available at all the outlets from Monday, he said.

Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Manohar Parrikar, however, has criticised the scheme saying that the present market rate is much less than the GSHCL rates which have been fixed without proper market survey.

The Goa BJP women's wing, meanwhile, will hold a week-long agitation beginning April 7 to protest against the spiralling prices, Mr Parrikar said.

Mr Parrikar said the BJP also proposes to start selling edible in Goa at Rs 55 per kilogram and coconut for Rs 4 per piece from April 11 in front of the party office here to provide succour to the people.

If the scheme is successful, it will be extended to other parts of the state, he added.

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