Kargil: In an effort to regulate prices and maintain market stability, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho convened a meeting to discuss and fix reasonable rates for vegetables, fruits etc. in Kargil in his capacity as Chairman of the Rate Fixation Committee.
The meeting was attended by concerned officials and stakeholders, including Assistant Director FCS&CA, Khanzada Mohammad Usman; Deputy Superintendent of Police (HQ) Inayat Ali, the Designated Officer of Food Safety, Nayeem Ahmad Lone, Naib Tehsildar Fida Mohammad Hasnain Mir, officials of Departments of Cooperative, Agriculture and representatives of Vegetable & Fruit Vendors Union of Kargil.
During the deliberations, the current rates of vegetables, fruits and other products were reviewed.
Fixation of rates was discussed from the perspective of wholesale rates in vegetable mandis in Srinagar (J&K) while keeping in view the cost of transportation and other factors.
The participants stressed on the need for vendors to prominently display official rate lists to ensure transparency and fair trade practices.
ADC Imteeaz Kacho directed vendors to maintain cleanliness of fruits and vegetables as well as their shops and strictly avoid the use of plastic bags for packaging.
During the meeting, representatives of the Vegetable & Fruit Vendors Union raised their concerns.
It was then decided that the official rate list will be prepared in consultation with all stakeholders to ensure fairness and mutual agreement.
The union was directed to fix/decide prices of vegetables and fruits by adding a reasonable percentage (as the cost of transportation and profit margin) vis-a-vis their wholesale rates and inform the authorities about it for an assessment.
It was also directed to ensure that public is not put to any inconvenience owing to over-pricing of commodities and unfair trade practices.
The participants agreed that a separate pricing mechanism will be adopted in Zanskar owing to its distance from the District Headquarter.
The primary objective of the meeting was to set fair and reasonable prices for essential commodities, ensuring benefits for both consumers and sellers.
By streamlining pricing and market conduct, the administration aims to foster a smooth and efficient trading environment in District Kargil, the ADC said in his concluding remarks.
