SRINAGAR: With authorities failing to regulate the prices of essential commodities,  the profiteers in Srinagar are selling essential commodities at exorbitant rates.

People from different areas including Khanyar, Dalgate, Nowshera, Batamaloo, Sanat Nagar complained that the retailers were openly selling mutton at Rs 600 to Rs 700 per kg.

Though people have been repeatedly saying the retailers were openly fleecing customers, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) has failed to act.

Shabir Ahmad, a resident of Dalgate said the mutton was being sold at exorbitant rates despite repeated warnings from the divisional administration of taking strict action under the law against overpricing of commodities including mutton and chicken.

"Profiteers are having an open field as the authorities concerned have kept their eyes shut to the problems confronting common people," said Altaf Ahmad.

CNS received scores of complaints from South Kashmir districts, Srinagar uptown, and outskirts against overcharging by the meat sellers.

"In our locality near Hazratbal, no retailer sells the meat at a government fixed rate. Yet there is no check by the government," said Nazir Ahmed from the Habak area of Srinagar.

Many people from the old city and adjoining areas complained that mutton in their areas was being sold at Rs 650-700 per KG.

The consumers also complained that poultry and vegetables were being sold at exorbitant prices. "The poultry is being sold at Rs 140 per kg when the government fixed rate is Rs 125. This is a brazen violation of the government-approved rate," said a consumer from the Habak area of Hazratbal.

The consumers complain that the rate list for vegetables and other essential commodities is not followed either. They said that daily use vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables are sold at higher than government-designated rates. They said the same is the case with fruits.

In Srinagar and on its outskirts Spinach (Palak) is being sold at Rs 100-120 per kg while peas are being sold at Rs 80.

One of the officials from the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, revealed that through checking squads on the ground, they are streamlining the prices.

"Those who are violating the rates are being taken to task. We have sealed many shops. Butchers selling chicken only have also been warned of strict action in case of overcharging," he said.

He further added that they have got representation from poultry sellers seeking an increase in chicken prices. "However, no decision has been taken yet and the government price of chicken continues to be Rs 125 per Kg," he said.(CNS)