SRINAGAR: The government has issued strict directions to the enforcement agencies, asking them to ensure that essentials are not overpriced in the markets during the month of Ramzan.
As per the record note of the meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on March 1, the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) and other allied departments have been asked to conduct market checking to ensure the proper display of rate lists by traders/shopkeepers.
The direction was passed to ensure that there is no unfair practice and to take appropriate strict action under the law against delinquent shopkeepers or traders.
The departments have been asked to ensure the availability of essential commodities viz; rice, atta, sugar, LPG etc., besides fair pricing of essential commodities and conducting intensive market checking to curb the menace of hoarding, black marketing and illegal profiteering.
Further, the Agriculture Production Department has been asked to ensure the availability of poultry, sheep, fish, vegetables etc.
Also, the Chief Minister has directed effective public service delivery, control of overpricing and ensuring the quality of essential commodities and products, with random market checking to ensure that instances of overcharging are fully checked and that the standard and purity of the products sold by shopkeepers, retailers and fruit vendors are maintained.
Pertinently, the KNO has already reported that in the absence of government regulations, prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed in Kashmir, and the lack of quality checks has added to the insecurities of consumers.
The Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA), which regulated prices and checked the quality of essential items like bread, mutton, vegetables, and milk, lost its authority after the markets were decontrolled in the Valley. One of the officials claimed that the department no longer has the power to regulate the prices of essential commodities sold in the open market.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has also passed strict directions to ensure adequate electricity and water supply for the people during Ramadan.
The Social Welfare Department (SWD) has been asked to distribute aid to underprivileged families and support community welfare programmes. Assistance to widows and orphans must be released on priority, it reads.
The Deputy Commissioners have been asked to maintain strict vigil on individuals and organisations collecting donations to prevent fraud and ensure funds are used for genuine welfare purposes. “Set up helpline numbers where people can report suspicious fundraising activities. Identify and publicise a list of verified NGOs/charitable institutions,” the Chief Minister has told all DCs. (KNO)
