Erring traders fined in Kulgam

Kulgam, March 29: Authorities in Kulgam tehsil have collected Rs 30,900 as fine from shopkeepers found to be in violation of market regulations during recent inspections.
The crackdown comes amid complaints from consumers about rising prices of essential items.
The consumers are urging the administration to step up its efforts to enforce fair pricing practices.
An official said that a market-checking squad led by Tehsildar Kulgam carried out an extensive market-checking in the town.
He said that on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Tehsildar Kulgam Bilal Ahmad (KAS) along with officers of the Food Department and Police during the drive inspected dozens of shops and penalized earring shopkeepers and apprised consumers to be alert in the case of exorbitant rates.
“We will take strict action against black marketing and illegal profiteering. We conducted market checks and penalized erring traders and shopkeepers for violating norms,” said Tehsildar Kulgam.
He said that during the inspection, violators were fined and during the inspection drive Rs 30,900 were collected for violation in the past two days.
“Through the extensive market checking we recovered 59 kilograms of rotten fruits/vegetables and 25 kilograms of polythene which were seized and destroyed on spot,” Tehsildar said.
He further added that the drives will continue in near future.
“To control exorbitant rates from shopkeepers and traders, the administration is conducting regular market inspections,” he said.
The shopkeepers were fined for violating the Essential Commodities Act of 1955.