Vendors selling vegetables at high price; 7 shops shut down at Silchar markets

Sept. 20: The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has led to unauthorised hike in prices of essential commodities, vegetables, fish and meat. Such complaints are made by the public off and on. Inspite of repeated directions issued by the district administration, many vendors seem to turn a deaf ear and continue charging exorbitant price from the customers.

On Friday, Cachar District Administration deputed Assistant Commissioner Maria Tanim to undertake a surprise drive in the markets of Silchar. During the inspection drive, the Assistant Commissioner along with Supply Inspector went at Sanjay Market (Rangirkhari) and National Highway market and caught red handed a few vendors who were charging high price for vegetables. Shops of 3 such vendors were closed down as they were found selling their vegetables at higher prices. Further, inspection was also conducted in certain grocery shops.

The 3 vendors whose shops were shut down during the inspection drive were of Nirmal Roy at Sanjay Market in Rangirkhari who was found selling carrots at Rs. 100 per kg. Another vendor, Haripada Roy at National highway Market was also directed to shut down his shop as he was caught selling beans at Rs.100 per kg. Vicky Roy, a vegetable vendor also at National Highway market was found selling brinjal at Rs. 60 per kg and was at once ordered to close his shop.

Assistant Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal visited Sadar Ghat market and Itkhola market. The prices for most vegetables were stable except Ginger and Tomato. In Sadar Ghat market, 2 shops were closed. Vegetable shop of one Kamal Uddin Laskar was closed due to high price of Ginger and Carrot. Shop of Dhirendra Kumar Roy was also closed due to non-display of price board, not having license and also for not giving copy of cash memo issued. In Itkhola market, 2 shops were closed. Shop of Biki Paul was closed for selling Ginger at Rs 200 and tomato at Rs 100. Shop of Sankar Roy was closed for selling Ginger at Rs. 160.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Kimneim Changsang inspected Cheragi and Chowrangee market area of Katigorah Circle. No deviations were found more or less from the fixed weekly market prices. However, the grocery shops did not display the price rates outside their shops. They were made to display the rates outside their shops on spot and were strictly instructed to do it regularly.

Expressing satisfaction, a netizen commented, “This is good efforts and such kind of surprise inspection to different markets in the town and adjacent area will help to control high price of commodities charged illegally.”