Intensify market checking

Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr the prices of essentials have sky rocketed creating more problems for the common consumers. Mutton, chicken, vegetables, fruits and other such items are being sold in a number of markets in total violation of the rates fixed by the government.

The concerned authorities have particularly failed to check the exorbitant prices set by the meat sellers on their own. They sell the mutton on the prices set by them and not on the price fixed by the government. They have got a free hand.

There are reports of a number of meat sellers resorting to over-pricing, taking undue advantage of the festive occasion. The consumers also say that there is no effective checking on the quality of mutton being sold. The consumers have been demanding extensive checking by concerned government department teams in the markets to check this sky rocketing of prices.

According to them the shops of meat sellers should be inspected and action taken against those violating the government rates and not selling quality mutton. If no steps are taken then those indulging in this malpractice will continue to fleece the consumers. Similar inspections must be conducted for other shops, selling other essentials.

The rates of fruit and vegetables have also suddenly gone up in some markets. The consumers were forced to buy the items on hiked prices even during the holy month of Ramadhan. Those in the concerned government department say that only their teams can not curb such practices in all markets.

The consumers must also come forward and lodge complaints. According to them the consumers avoid doing so and prefer buying items on exorbitant rates. The shopkeepers, resorting to this malpractice, also get encouraged.

Stopping the unnecessary price hike in markets is not only the responsibility of government departments but also that of the consumers. While that is true, it does not mean that the government teams should stop doing inspections in markets and wait for the consumers to lodge complaints.

The teams must fan out in every direction and take action again the violators.