Srinagar/June,9: In view of holy month of Ramdhan, the Legal Metrology department Friday intensified the market inspections across Kashmir to prevent unfair trade practices conducted by unscrupulous traders. The aim of the checking was to protect and benefit the common masses and aware them about the profiteering and hoarding practices made by these traders.
The department in the city booked about two dozen erring commercial establishments which include 10 bakery/sweet shops, 03 Hotels and Restaurants, 05 kiryana merchants, 03 Mutton sellers, 02 vegetable sellers etc for violating Legal Metrology laws. A penal sum of Rs 38000 was collected on spot from the defaulters.
The inspecting team observed that the traders are selling the products like dates, breads, and sandwiches and other bakery items, tea etc in packed form without adequate labeling and using faulty or unverified weights and measures.
Pertinently, under Legal Metrology Act 2009, every pre-packaged commodity shall carry on the label prominently and legibly the mandatory declarations such as MRP, Packing/Manufacturing date, Net Quantity, address of Manufacturing/Packing Company with consumer care details so that the consumer may make a rational choice while making purchases.
Moreover, Assistant Controller Budgam, Ganderbal and Pulwama have imposed a fine of Rs. 27800, Rs. 9200 and Rs. 16900 in their districts respectively. The consumers are requested to exert their rights while buying any product and have a right to bargain on the declared prices on the products. In case of any complaint, the consumers are informed to approach the concerned Legal Metrology Officer.
