Asserting that in view of the ensuing festive season, the department of Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution has re-fixed the rates and limits of all the essential commodities to keep a check on profiteering and price rise, Minister for CA&PD and Tribal Affairs Choudhary Zulfkar Ali said that a control order has been issued to fix the stocking limit of essential commodities.The Minister informed the media persons here today that the retail rates of Mutton (without Ojhri), live (Goat/Sheep), Broiler Chicken (live) and eggs are fixed at Rs 340 per kg, Rs 170 per kg, Rs 100 per kg and Rs 45 per dozen respectively. Besides, a wholesale dealer cannot stock more than 600 quintals of onions, 1,200 quintals of pulses and 2,200 litres of edible oil. The Minister informed that any wholesale dealer found violating the norms will be booked under Hoarding and Profiteering Ordinance.He said special squads have been constituted to conduct market survey and submit the feedback for immediate action. Acting on the complaints of the common masses regarding the unfair trade practices by the Diagnostic Laboratories for conducting Dengue clinical tests, the Minister informed that the rates for ELISA (NSI), IgM and IgG have been fixed at Rs 600, Rs 630 and Rs 630 respectively.
The Minister said that a committee has been formed to rationalize the distribution of kerosene oil in the state and people can register their complaints on their toll free number 1967 about any pilferage of oil in their locality.The National Food Security Act will be implemented in the State in the first week of December and it will be linked with Aadhaar and biometric system to keep a check on corrupt practices prevailing if any in the public distribution system, the Minister added.Zulfkar further informed that the CA&PD department will start an alert service in the state to create awareness about the wholesale and retail rates of perishable items.The Minister dwelt in details about the ban imposed on sale and stocking of Ambuja Cement. He directed the Legal Metrology Department to ensure the ban on sale and stock of Ambuja cement in the state as the company has been selling underweight cement bags and charging different rates in both the divisions of the state.