Srinagar, Aug 27: Ahead of Eid, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department (CAPD) has geared up its manpower to ensure price and quality check in the market.
 Minister for CAPD, Qamar Ali Akhoon, told Greater Kashmir that department has activated its market checking squads not only in the summer capital but also at districts to check profiteering and black-marketing by some unscrupulous shopkeepers. “Anyone found indulging in the practice will be severely punished as per the law,” Akhoon said.
 At district levels, Akhoon said, the checking squads will be directly reporting to the district magistrates concerned.
 The minister said strict instructions have been passed to authorities to maintain adequate supply of ration including rice and sugar and fuel - LPG and Kerosene oil- in the market. “This will help to prevent black marketing,” he said.
 Akhoon said in view of the Eid government has decided to supply additional one kilogram of sugar to consumers.
 The minister said adequate stocks of poultry and sheep will be made available for the consumers in the state on Eid.
 He said the department has several times held meetings with trade association representatives and members of civil society to get their feedback as also suggestions so that consumers get quality food and other items from the market.
 “The representatives of traders’ associations have promised their support and cooperation to the CAPD in implementing government fixed rates in the market. We have also set up teams which will be monitoring that mutton and chicken are sold at fixed government rates of Rs 240/kg and Rs 90/kg respectively,” the minister said.
 The minister sought cooperation from people to help check the black marketing and sale of adulterated food and other items in the market.
 On rationalizing the Public Distribution System in Jammu and Kashmir, the minister said the department is working on the program to introduce e-governance system.
 “It will involve introduction of smart cards and customers will be getting their share of ration and fuel items as per the entries in the card,” the minister said. 
 Akhoon said he has also taken up with the government of India for re-fixing the ration quota to the state as per new census (2011) figures.
 “Government of India has agreed in principal on it. We are just waiting for completion of the decadal process so that state could get additional ration quota,” the minister said.
 Besides, he said government of India has approved separate ration quota for nomads including Gujjars and Bakerwals and migrant Pandits.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 27 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 27 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 28 Aug 2011 00:00:00 IST