From correspondents in Delhi, India, 08:00 PM IST

Even as it complimented the government for high economic growth, the Congress said Wednesday that the central government needed to take strong action against hoarders and strengthen the public distribution system to keep in check prices of essential commodities.

Party spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan said: 'The prices of essential food items need to be monitored closely in consultation with state governments. Strict action should be taken against hoarders and step needs to be taken to ensure that the PDS is strengthened.'

'We hope that prices of food and other essential commodities will remain stable,' she said.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)