Mutton rates fixed by Govt not genuine: Traders

Govt will ensure that butchers sell mutton at Rs 480 per kg: Div Com
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Nov 5: After the administration fixed the retail price of mutton at Rs 480 per kilogram, the traders associated with mutton business Thursday said mutton rates fixed by the government are not ‘genuine’ and asked the government to revise the rates.
All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association, All Kashmir Butchers Association, Chinar Sheep and Goat Welfare Association while addressing a press conference here alleged that government has been deliberately pushing mutton dealers to the wall.
They said the animal and sheep husbandry department has itself admitted that the production rate is Rs 476.
“However, the government has fixed mutton rate at Rs 480 per kg, which is not genuine,” president of All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association, Mehraj Ud Din said.
He said the government in a meeting wherein they were also invited didn’t listen to them.
“The government must come clear and tell us how Rs 600 per kg is not a genuine rate,” he said.
The public has hailed the government decision and hope that the authorities would implement the new mutton rate in letter and spirit and enforce the butchers to adhere to the new rate.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Pandurang Kondbarao Pole said government at any cost will ensure that mutton dealers sell mutton at Rs 480 per kilogram.
“We have registered various FIRs against butchers who were overcharging. We have made helpline number public and I request every consumer to use that helpline number in case any butcher overcharges them,” he said.
He said the new rates have been decided by the mutton price fixation committee.
“We are here for public and nobody will be allowed to loot public. Overcharging won’t be taken easily. It is the responsibility of consumers to complain against those who overcharge, I assure them of strict action,” Pole said.
The Divisional Commissioner provided a help line toll free number (1800-180-7114) and requested people to use it in case any butcher over charges them. (Additional inputs from KNT, KNO)