WE THE PEOPLE
No downward trend in prices of essential commodities and other articles of daily use visible, authorities unmoved
Hence people demand sustained drive against black-marketing, profiteering and hoarding to end fleecing in Kashmir
By: Safwan Khan
Srinagar: Even with introduction of several measures by the Central Government, there is no downward trend in prices of daily consumable commodities visible at the ground level in Kashmir valley so far. Those dealing with sale of such items indulge in black-marketing and profiteering with impunity and shoppers are left to their mercy with no one to come to their rescue. This is a serious situation, which must engage attention of the authorities at the helm of affairs. The Central government came under severe criticism for its failure to control prices and tame inflation. As a first step, the Government decided to import one million tones of edible oil and 15 lakh tones of pulses besides ban on future trading in essential commodities.
To achieve the objective, all Public Sector Companies were directed to import edible oils. The oil was to be subsidized at the rate of Rs.15/- per litre and was supposed to be made available all over the country, especially for Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antodaya families. It is a fact that there is shortage of these edibles and as such the Government was left with no option, but to import them. The Government has already abolished import duty on edible oils and pulses. Although it is a belated move, yet can be described a positive movement in the right direction. But no appreciable effect has been noticed in Kashmir markets, where common man continues to get fleeced with state functionaries acting as mute spectators.
As a matter of fact there is no bar for the State Governments to raid, prosecute and convict the hoarders and the profiteers. The Essential Commodities Act is very clear about dealing with such persons who indulge in black-marketing, profiteering and hoarding. It has come to the notice that Public Distribution System (PDS) has allegedly turned into a leaking system, as 36 per cent of the foodgrains supplied for Public Distribution System does not reach the beneficiaries. It is alleged that good quality of rice procured from Food Corporation of India does not reach the Ration-ticket holders but to the stores of hoarders.
Moreover, the Central government has agreed that there was a case for containing and moderating liquidity since money supply is the main driver for inflation. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been asked to take steps to moderate inflation. The J&K government must play its role and take necessary steps to control prices, which have gone up beyond the means of common man.
“As a matter of fact, the price-hike issue was raised in the Parliament, which jolted the Central Government. It was thereafter that the Centre decided to import edible oil and pulses to control prices to meet the domestic demand. But it is regrettable that our State Government believes only in dishing out statements through electronic and print media, but does not act positively. The common man is getting sandwiched with no one to come to his rescue. The Divisional Administration has been fixing prices of edibles in consultation with all concerned, but such rate-lists become show-pieces and the dealers charge the rates of their choice. It has become a routine with the State functionaries to conduct random checks, especially on the eve of festivals, but for the rest of the period they remain confined to their compartments. Besides there is no quality control and the vendors dealing with edibles sell sub-standard products with impunity. Although the Government has charged a few departments with the responsibility to exercise quality control, yet the concerned authorities seldom discharge their obligations. This has let loose a reign of vandalism and the dealers are free to sell anything, which may be even pernicious and harmful to human health. There are reports that even dead mutton and poultry are sold in open markets with no one to check the sale of such rotten stuff. Same is the case with drugs, garments, shoes and other articles of daily use”, said a group of keen watchers of Kashmir Valley.
Therefore, it becomes imperative that officials charged with the responsibility to control prices to rise to the occasion and take all necessary steps to curb black-marketing, profiteering and hoarding in Kashmir valley. The Government is empowered under Essential Commodities Act, which needs to be invoked to streamline prices. The earlier this is done the better!
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