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 severalteams were constituted including members from Legal Metrology, Urban LocalBodies, Food Safety, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA), Revenueand Police, an official handout said.
The teams conducted dailymarket checking across the district in markets including at Main MarketBandipora, Sumbal, Hajin, Aloosa, Ajas, Sonarwani, Dawar, Watpora, KaloosaArinand other adjoining villages.
Giving details DeputyCommissioner BandiporaShahbaz Ahmad Mirza said that a fine of Rs 1,36,700 wasimposed during the holy month from erring traders and 208 traders were bookedand challenged during this period.
He said during theseinspections about 17 quintals of rotten vegetables were also destroyed on-spotso that the same is not sold to the consumers. He said 43 Kgs of Polythene werealso seized.
Hesaid the joint teams conducted surprise checks of various shops includingvegetable and fruit selling outlets, meat sellers, restaurants, drug stores,roadside vendors, saloons, barbers, general stores, bakery and restaurants andfined erring shopkeepers for overcharging and for violating Legal MetrologyLaws and government approved rate list.
Hesaid during these inspections the shopkeepers including bakery and restaurantowners were stressed on maintaining cleanliness and hygienic conditions intheir business units. They also directed the bakery units to use aprons,headgear and hand gloves while selling their products and also asked them tosell pastry in chilled conditions and all other bakery products which have acream base. Stress was also laid on maintaining a high standard of personalhygiene.
Officers also stressed onthe traders to follow the rules in letter and spirit and also asked the vendorsselling dates and other fresh fruits to follow the packaged commodity rules andother legal metrology laws in letter and spirit.
The teams also interactedwith the customers and informed them about their rights and also asked them tobuy their products especially sweets and bakery from only those shopkeepers whoensure hygienic conditions at their shops.
District Magistrate haddirected all executive magistrates of the district to ensure daily inspectionsof markets falling within their respective jurisdictions and take strict actionagainst those indulging in overpricing.
Mirza expressedsatisfaction over the drive and hailed the cooperation by the traders inensuring convenience to the customers. He hoped that the same cooperation willcontinue after Eid and throughout the year so that better services are providedto the customers.
Deputy CommissionerBandipora said that the drive will continue even after the Eid on a regularbasis across all district markets to keep a check on traders and shopkeepersfor indulging in overcharging.