Common man hit as traders arbitrarily hike prices of commodities on Eid eve
With people thronging the markets in Srinagar in large numbers ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, black-marketers and hoarders are having a field day in absence of any monitoring by the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution department.
On Monday, different markets across Kashmir, especially in Srinagar, were flooded with shoppers. The busy markets of Residency Road, Jamia Market in Nowhatta and other small and big markets in the summer capital witnessed a huge rush of customers who were mostly seen buying bakery, confectionery, dress material, kids wear and grocery. But, according to scores of shoppers, the soaring prices of commodities left them high and dry.
Shoppers who spoke to Kashmir Post complained that prices of vegetables, fruits, and other items have been arbitrarily hiked by the traders while the government has failed to act against the violators.
“Everybody wants to celebrate Eid, but skyrocketing prices of essentials is pinching the common man,” said Ajaz Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar’s Lal Chowk.
Vegetables are being sold Rs 10 to Rs 20 higher than the government-fixed rates. As per the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution department’s rate list, the price of tomatoes is Rs 45 per-kg while in market these are being sold at Rs 60 per-kg. Potatoes are priced at Rs 18 per-kg as per the CAPD rate list, but nowhere in the market these are being sold at this price. At some places, potatoes are being sold at Rs 30 per-kg.
Similarly, the price of chicken has been fixed by the government at Rs 115 per-kg, but the same is being sold at the price ranging from Rs 120 to Rs 130 per-kg.
Mutton is being sold at Rs 410 a kg, while its government approved price is Rs 400 a kg.
Also, the prices of fruits have skyrocketed ahead of Eid, according to consumers.
Talking to Kashmir Post, Director Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department, Kashmir, Peerzada Fayaz Ahmad claimed the enforcement officials of the department are inspecting the market places thoroughly. However, consumers said not a single official of CA&PD was visible anywhere.
“I was personally inspecting the markets and we have realized a fine of Rs 19000 today from erring traders as fine for violating the CAPD rate list,” Fayaz said, adding the department is giving wide publicity to the rate lists issued by them so that the people are aware about the prices of various commodities being sold in the market.
He urged the people to come forward and lodge complaints against the violators so that the action could be taken against them.
Meanwhile, the business community is decrying recession, stating that the government’s failure to release pending bills of contractors and others ahead of Eid has hit the businesses badly.
“There is liquidity crisis as the failure of government to release pending bills has resulted in the recession in the market, with buying power of consumers getting hit,” said chief spokesperson of Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation, Farhan Kitab.
