Concern over rising prices of commodities in Ramazan

JHANG: People have shown concern over increasing prices of different daily use items in the city in Ramazan.

The purchasers and the general public alleged that the district administration officials were busy holding meetings with those who were responsible for creating artificial inflation instead of taking appropriate action against those who were overcharging on essential commodities during the Holy month of Ramazan. During the survey of local markets, some purchasers, including Wajahat, Iqbal, Arshad, Fiaz, Nasir and Imran, emphasised that exorbitant rise in the rates specially of meat, eggs, rice and other daily use grocery items was ruthless. They alleged that district administration should have realised their responsibilities and discharge their duties efficiently against the stockists and wholesalers who were actual responsible for the price hike and artificial shortage of daily use items. But the officials had started imposing fines on small vendors and retail shops to show their competency.

The aggrieved citizens alleged that the district price control committee was practically inactive because most of the members were selected on the recommendation of the political elite and others were close friends of wholesalers and stockists.

DC Muhammad Umair through a press note claimed that 41 price control magistrates were visiting the local markets across the district to ensure the provision of commodities on controlled prices. He said that stern action would be initiated against those involved in creating artificial shortage and price hike. The complaint desks had also been set up at the Model Bazaar and others markets, he maintained. The DC said that he would review the formations of the price controlling and other public welfare related committees.

The contents of the FIRs without proper investigation could not be declared correct as complete justice should be provided to both complainant and respondent which was the prime responsibility for the police. He issued these directions while chairing a special meeting held to review police stations wise crime situation.