‘CAPD fails to regulate the market’

Srinagar: In absence of any regulation by the government, many unscrupulous shopkeepers across Srinagar city have been looting consumers. The consumers complained that the traders are overcharging from them while the authorities were acting as mute spectators to this exploitation. Consumers alleged that marketing checking squads of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department (CAPD) are not seen anywhere as a result shopkeepers mostly vegetable sellers are selling commodities at different prices.

   “The vegetable sellers, butchers, poultry owners and other traders across Shaher-e-Khas and civil lines areas don’t adhere to the government approved rates and sell the products at arbitrarily rates,” a resident from Sonwar Abdul Gaffar Malik told CNS adding that the last time CAPD checking squad visited the area in October 2015. People said in absence of any market checking by the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, the profiteers  were having a field day.

“We fail to understand why the department (CAPD) which is supposed to keep a check on the rates, is not doing its duty,” Muhammad Latif said adding that the prices of fruits and vegetables are touching the sky and average and middle class customers are not in a position to buy them.

“Even the vegetables grown locally are sold at very high prices compared to what the rates they were sold earlier. Saag being sold at Rs 80 per kg a few days ago is now sold at Rs 90 to 100,” people said.  

When contacted a CAPD official told that, “We are keeping a strong vigil on the markets. We are putting all our efforts to regulate the market and save the customer from exploitation.” He said that market checking squads visit almost all the areas of the city.

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