Srinagar
A joint team of market checking squad belonging to various departments conducted market checking of several markets in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 approximately from erring shopkeepers under different Acts.
The spokesman said that taking strong note of complaints, the District administration has launched a massive district-wide inspection drive to curb overpricing and take immediate action against instances of violations. District Magistrate Shahbaz Ahmad Mirza has directed all executive magistrates of the district to ensure daily inspections of markets falling within their respective jurisdictions and take strict action against those indulging in overpricing.
During the inspection seven joint teams of Legal Metrology, Urban Local Bodies, Food Safety, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA) and Department of Revenue under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Revenue Reyaz Ahmad Beigh inspected various markets in Bandipora including Gousia Market, Khadim Market, Nowpora, Neberpora, Gulshan Chowk and Jamia Jadeed, Aloosa, Ajas, Sumbal, Hajin and Gurez and conducted surprise check of various shops including vegetable and fruit selling outlets, Meat Sellers, restaurants, drug stores, road side vendors and general stores and realized fine of Rs. 20,000 from the erring shopkeepers for overcharging and for violating Legal Metrology Laws and government approved rate list.
Five shops including a chicken shop, mutton shop, vegetable shop, bakery/tea stall and a Kiryana shop were also sealed for overcharging and selling outdated stocks. About 4 quintals of rotten vegetables were also destroyed during the inspection and 17 kgs of polythenes were also seized during the inspection.
On the occasion, officers stressed on the traders to follow the rules in letter and spirit and also asked the vendors selling dates and other fresh fruits to follow the packaged commodity rules and other legal metrology laws in letter and spirit.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora said that the drive will continue on regular basis across all district markets to keep check on traders and shopkeepers for indulging in overcharging particularly during the month of Ramzan and directed officers to intensify the market checking.
He said that Tehsil level market checking teams have been also constituted which will also continue conducting market checking daily to curb overpricing, black marketing and ensure quality of eatables sold in markets in their jurisdictions. He said that strict action as per the law will be taken against shopkeepers or vendor for indulging in overcharging, hoarding or selling sub-standard food items anywhere in the district.
