Early Times Report
Srinagar, Nov 17: With black-marketing mafia being active in markets, the government is being pushed to take some tough steps in this regard.
The black marketing is rampant in Jammu and Kashmir, with shopkeepers not adhering the rate list issued by the government.
A consumer, Ghulam Nabi, purchasing lotus roots (nadru) at Hari Singh High Street last week, was disappointed by the rates of vegetables.
"They are selling nadru for Rs 250 per bunch which is costlier than the government rate," he said.
He said the government should enforce the rate-list.
Another consumer, Hameeda bought potatoes and tomatoes for Rs 40 per kg each at Maharaja Bazar market.
"I believe vegetable sellers are following the pattern of auto-rickshaws, who also do not follow any rate-list," she said.
However, a shopkeeper Mohammad Subhan said that they received strict directives from the government to ensure rate list is adhered.
"There is a visible change on the ground. The government to a lot extent has stopped the profiteering. The market checking squad is also active on the ground," he said. He however, said that more needs to be done. "We will ensure our support to the government.
Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA) has issued a rate list for vegetables and fruits.
As per the rate list, prices of potato has been fixed at Rs 18 per kilogram (white) and Rs 22 per kilogram (red), onions at Rs 22 per kg while tomatoes are to be sold for Rs 26 per kg and carrot for Rs 30 per kg.
Price of saag has been fixed at Rs 40 per kg while lotus root produced from Dal Lake has been fixed at Rs 175 per bunch.
An official said that they won't let shopkeepers to sell goods at their own prices. "This rate list will be followed strictly."
Director FCSCA Kashmir, Mohammad Qasim Wani admitted black-marketing mafia was active in markets."I recently took over the Director FCSCA and have been receiving complaints. We have decided to issue monthly rate issue for all eatables, which is being done for the first time. Strict action will be taken against profiteers. We have taken several measures to ensure shopkeepers adhere our rate list and there is a huge change on the ground," Wani added. |
