LOWER DIR: The district administration on Monday decided to take action against the shopkeepers and wholesale dealers for violating the official rate list of essential items.

The decision was made during a meeting held in Balambat with deputy commissioner Wasil Khan in the chair.

He directed the assistant and additional assistant commissioners to pay regular visits to the price monitoring desks and take action on the complaints instantly.

It was decided that stakeholders would analyse the wholesale rates of essentials and prepare price lists for retail accordingly.

Wasil Khan directed the district food controller, additional assistant commissioner Timergara and officials of the agriculture department to review the grading of fruits and vegetables and take action against the shopkeepers, who sold grade-B fruits and vegetables on rates fixed for grade-A items.

They were also directed to ensure quality meat was sold to consumers at the notified rate.

The meeting agreed that all necessary measures would be taken to provide relief to the public during Ramazan.

The relevant officials were instructed to monitor the supply of food items at the official rates daily, and take action against the hoarders and profiteers.

The deputy commissioner also directed action against those selling adulterated milk and underweight bread.

According to the official rate list issued on Monday, potato is to be sold at Rs70 per kilogramme, onion at Rs220 per kg, tomato Rs120, okra Rs330, brinjal Rs180, cauliflower Rs130, spinach Rs50, cucumber Rs100, garlic Rs200, lemon Rs200, peas Rs150, carrot Rs70 per kg, while apple is to be sold at Rs220 per kg, Iranian apple Rs300, banana Rs250 per dozen, strawberry Rs550 per kg, kinnow Rs220 per dozen, oranges Rs400 per dozen and pomegranate Rs500 per kg.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2024