JAMMU: Meanwhile, on the directions of Director Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Jammu Rajesh Kumar Shavan, a joint enforcement team headed by Deputy Director Food & Rationing Sham Abrol, along with officers of the FCS&CA Department and officials of the Legal Metrology Department, conducted a comprehensive market inspection drive in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu.
The joint team inspected a large number of grocery (Karyana) shops, electrical shops, food establishments and other commercial outlets to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, Legal Metrology Act, Consumer Protection Act and other relevant laws. The inspection focused on display of rate lists, accurate weighing and measuring instruments, quality of commodities, MRP compliance, expiry dates, billing practices and consumer rights.
During the inspection, several violations were noticed, including non-display of rate lists, non-calibration of weighing and measuring instruments, deficiencies in mandatory disclosures and other irregularities. The erring establishments were penalised, with fines amounting to approximately Rs 62,000 imposed. The violators were also issued strict warnings to ensure compliance in future, failing which stringent legal action shall be initiated.
Director FCS&CA Rajesh Kumar Shavan reiterated that the Department is committed to safeguarding consumer interests by ensuring fair trade practices, transparency in pricing and availability of quality commodities. He said no trader or business establishment would be allowed to indulge in unfair trade practices, overcharging or any activity prejudicial to consumer welfare.
The Department has appealed to traders and business establishments to strictly adhere to statutory provisions relating to price display, correct weighing and measuring practices, quality standards, hygiene and consumer rights. Such market inspection drives will continue across Jammu division on a regular basis to protect consumers and maintain transparency in the market. The Assistant Director (ADs) have been asked to personally supervise market inspections and seek assistance of allied agencies as per guidelines issued by the Government.
The Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) has intensified market surveillance to ensure availability of fruits to consumers at fair prices, on the directions of Director FCS&CA, J&K Rajesh Kumar Shavan.
A team of department officers led by Deputy Director, Food & Ration, Jammu Sham Lal Abrol held a second round of meetings with representatives of the Fruit Mandi Association, wholesalers and other stakeholders, with emphasis on maintaining a transparent supply chain and ensuring reasonable wholesale prices are passed on to consumers without unjustified escalation at the retail level. The department also coordinated with the Horticulture Department on the daily fixation and dissemination of indicative fruit prices, so consumers remain aware of market rates and are protected against overcharging.
Enforcement teams subsequently carried out inspections across various city circles in Jammu, detecting violations under consumer protection and market regulation laws, including overcharging and non-display of price lists. A total penalty of Rs 70,000 was imposed on erring traders under different provisions of the law.
Consumers have been advised to report cases of overcharging or other unfair trade practices to the department for prompt action.
