BANDIPORA, JUNE 04: On the directions of District Development Commissioner Bandipora, Shahbaz Ahmad Mirza, joint market checking squads of various departments continued their market checking in the district during the holy month of Ramadan to curb overpricing, black marketing and ensure quality of eatables sold in markets.
During the month several teams were constituted including members from Legal Metrology, Urban Local Bodies, Food Safety, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA), Revenue and Police. The teams conducted daily market checking across the district in markets including at Main Market Bandipora, Sumbal, Hajin, Aloosa, Ajas, Sonarwani, Dawar, Watpora, Kaloosa Arin and other adjoining villages.
Giving details Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Shahbaz Ahmad Mirza said that a fine of Rs 1,36,700 was imposed during the holy month from erring traders and 208 traders were booked and challenged during this period. He said during these inspections about 17 quintals of rotten vegetables were also destroyed on-spot so that the same is not sold to the consumers. He said 43 Kgs of Polythene were also seized.
He said the joint teams conducted surprise checks of various shops including vegetable and fruit selling outlets, meat sellers, restaurants, drug stores, roadside vendors, saloons, barbers, general stores, bakery and restaurants and fined erring shopkeepers for overcharging and for violating Legal Metrology Laws and government approved rate list.
He said during these inspections the shopkeepers including bakery and restaurant owners were stressed on maintaining cleanliness and hygienic conditions in their business units. They also directed the bakery units to use aprons, headgear and hand gloves while selling their products and also asked them to sell pastry in chilled conditions and all other bakery products which have a cream base. Stress was also laid on maintaining a high standard of personal hygiene. Officers also 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.
The teams also interacted with the customers and informed them about their rights and also asked them to buy their products especially sweets and bakery from only those shopkeepers who ensure hygienic conditions at their shops.
District Magistrate had 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.
Mirza expressed satisfaction over the drive and hailed the cooperation by the traders in ensuring convenience to the customers. He hoped that the same cooperation will continue after Eid and throughout the year so that better services are provided to the customers.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora said that the drive will continue even after the Eid on a regular basis across all district markets to keep a check on traders and shopkeepers for indulging in overcharging.
