In order to prevent profiteering and black marketing by certain business establishments operating in Srinagar, the special Market Checking teams of District Administration Srinagar Tuesday conducted intensified market checking across the Srinagar City to ensure all essential commodities are sold at Government approved rates as per the quality standards with sufficient availability of consumables.
The drive was conducted on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad to curb the practice of illegal profiteering in markets ahead of the upcoming festival of Eid ul- Azha.The checking squads comprising of senior officials from Revenue, Police, Food Safety, SMC, FCS&CA and Legal Metrology Departments under the supervision of SDM West and Assistant Commissioner Nazool conducted intensive market checking in various Tehsils of Srinagar City and inspected various markets within their jurisdiction.
During the drive a fine to the tune of over Rs 30,000 was imposed on the erring shopkeepers for violating different provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act.While several erring shopkeepers were also booked found failing to maintain the quality of food items, not displaying rate lists of essential commodities, selling expired products, besides indulging in practices of illegal profiteering and sale of underweight products.
During the drive conducted today, the market checking teams inspected hundreds of business units including Bakery, confectionery, grocery, vegetable, fruits, milk, meat and chicken selling shops. They also check several food Processing units to check hygienic conditions. While the Date of Manufacture, Use-by Date, Ingredients, Nutritional information and Temperature Controlled system in the Display Panels was also checked.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner stressed on owners of all Business establishments/ shopkeepers to maintain quality and standard of essential commodities and ensure all essential commodities are sold at Government approved rates. He asked the Market checking teams to continue the drive.Pertinent to mention that, the Deputy Commissioner conducted a surprise visit to Eidgah, Srinagar to inspect the process of sale of Sacrificial sheep/Goat.
The DC interacted with the sellers of the Sacrificial animals and the buyers coming for purchasing of these animals.The DC directed the Tehsildar Eidgah who was present on the occasion to ensure Government approved rates for sacrificial animals is implemented in letter and spirit without any deviations so that people do not get fleeced.