Srinagar: The government has passed strict directions to the enforcement agencies, asking them to ensure no overpricing of the essentials in the markets during the month of Ramadan.
As per the record note of the meeting held under the chairmanship of the 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 for ensuring proper display of rate lists by the traders/shopkeepers.
The direction was passed to ensure that there is no unfair practice and ensuring appropriate strict action under law against delinquent shopkeepers or traders.
The departments have asked to ensure availability of essential commodities viz; rice, atta, sugar, LPG etc., besides, fair pricing of essential commodities and conducting of intensive market checking to curb the menace of hoarding, black marketing and illegal profiteering.
Further, the Agriculture Production Department has been asked to ensure availability of poultry, sheep, fish, vegetables etc.
Also, the Chief Minister has directed for effective public service delivery, control of over pricing and ensuring quality of essential commodities and products, random market checking to ensure that instances of overcharging are fully checked and standard and purity of the products sold by the shopkeepers, retailers and fruit vendors are maintained.
Digital media outlets and newspapers have already reported that in absence of the government regulations, prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed in Kashmir and no quality check has added to the insecurities of the consumers.
The Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA) that regulated the prices and checked the quality of essential items like bread, mutton, vegetables, and milk lost its teeth after the markets were decontrolled in the Valley, with one of the officials claiming that the department has no power to regulate the prices of the essential commodities sold in the open market.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has also passed strict directions on ensuring adequate electricity and water supply to the people in 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 be released on priority, it reads.
The Deputy Commissioners have been asked to maintain strict vigil on individuals and organizations 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 publicize a list of verified NGOs/charitable institutions,” the Chief Minister has told all DCs
