SRINAGAR: In order to ensure all essential commodities are sold at already fixed prices besides ensuring their quality and availability in City markets, the special Enforcement Squads of District Administration Srinagar today conducted intensive Market checking in all Tehsils of the District.
The special Market Inspection was carried out on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad by all the Tehsildars of Srinagar in coordination with Police, Legal Metrology, FCS&CA and other Departments to curb the
black marketing and profiteering in Srinagar markets in wake of ensuing winter season .
The teams undertook market checking in different parts of Srinagar City including Panthachowk, Chanpora, Batamaloo, Khanyar, Zadibal, Soura, Nigeen, Saida Kadal, Hazratbal, Bemina, Hawal, Sonwar, Dalgate, Maharaja Bazar, Hari Sing High Street and other areas and inspected various markets and booked several erring shopkeepers found failing to maintain the quality of food items, not displaying rate lists of essential commodities, selling expiry products, besides indulging in practices of illegal profiteering and sale of underweight products.
During the market checking, a fine to the tune of over ₹ 50 thousand was imposed on the erring vendors, besides huge quantity of rotten vegetables and other items were destroyed on the spot. In addition 2 FIRs were also lodged against the erring traders.
During the checking, the Enforcement teams also put an eye on the implementation of Covid-19 SOPs in market places. Pertinently, the Deputy Commissioner had convened recently an Officers meeting with regard to winter preparedness in which he passed several directions including conducting frequent market checking to ensure price control and ensuring availability of quality essential commodities.
He has also directed the concerned officers to keep a “strict watch” on prices of essential commodities in the District and enforce the provisions of the Essential Commodities (EC) Act to curb hoarding.