3 traders booked, Rs 11500 realized as fine
KNZ NEWS DESK
BANDIPORA, October 23: On directions of Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Dr Owais Ahmed and Director Food Civil Supplies and consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), a joint market checking squad of FCS&CA and Legal Metrology lead by Assistant Director Bilal Ahmad conducted a market checking in different markets of the district and realized a fine of Rs 5000 from erring business establishments and recommended registration of an FIR action against three erring traders.
Taking strong note of the complaints of over-pricing, the department launched a massive district-wide inspection drive to curb over pricing and take immediate action against instances of violations. Assistant Director FCS&CA Bilal Ahmad said a massive drive has been launched across the district to ensure identify the erring traders and take action against those indulging in overpricing and other mal practices.
The joint teams conducted inspection of about 50 business establishments including vegetable, fruit sellers, poultry, mutton sellers, Kiryana, Bakery, General Stores and Hair Dressers at Bandipora, Kaloosa, Ajar, Khadim Market, Nussu, Papchan, Nadihal and other adjoining areas. During the inspection, three traders were booked under different laws for violation of various legal metrology laws and the department also recommended registration of FIR against these three erring traders including a mutton seller, poultry seller and hairdresser who were involved in overpricing and had not displayed the rate list at their business units. A fine of Rs 5000 was also imposed on several erring traders.
Meanwhile a team, Municipal Council Bandipora led by CEO and Tehsildar Bandipora also conducted a separate market checking to curb the menace of overcharging by shopkeepers. The team realized an amount of Rs 6500 as fine from shopkeepers who were found selling commodities at exorbitant rates.
On the occasion, officers stressed on the traders to follow the rules in letter and spirit and also asked the vendors to follow the packaged commodity rules and other Metrology Acts.
AD FCS&CA said that the drive will continue on a regular basis across all district markets to keep a check on traders and shopkeepers for indulging in overcharging and other unethical activities. He also appealed to the people to report overpricing by shopkeepers to the department to keep a vigil on errant traders.
