FCS&CA slaps fine on 252 erring shopkeepers, collects Rs 3,24800 from them
By: Sameer Lone
Srinagar: This Ramadan the prices on essential commodities have surprisingly skyrocketed with enforcement squads of Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) swing into action to crack down on the profiteers.
Consumers claim that the shopkeepers don’t sell the vegetables, fruits and varieties of Dates as per the rate list issued by the authorities.
“There is a hike on almost every essential commodity, especially vegetables and fruits,” said the local customers.
The Department of (FCS&CA) has already issued a rate list of all the commodities sold in the market.
Director (FCS&CA) Abdul Salam said they have deputed Market Checking Squads who are inspecting the markets and also fine shopkeepers and vendors who indulge in profiteering.
According to the official data, the Department of FCS&CA have realized a fine of Rs 324800.00 from 252 erring shopkeepers in the month of April which is also the holy month of Ramadhan.
Among the 252 shopkeepers, 56 were vendors selling vegetables and fruits at unreasonably high rates. “They were penalised with Rs 26900.
Similarly, 24 shops have been sealed while police complaints against five erring shopkeepers stand lodged for violating Essential Commodities Act.