Punjab Minister orders food department to conduct state-wide crackdown to check sale above MRP prices

Chandigarh: As per directions of Capt. Amarinder Singh, CM, Punjab, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Bharat Bhushan Ashu today ordered to intensify the ongoing state-wise raids to check the problem of over pricing during the lockdown imposed due to outbreak of pandemic COVID-19.
 
Mr. Ashu has also directed all the field officers to ensure that the sale of essential commodities must be done strictly at the MRP prices or below MRP reflected on the packaging of the goods accordingly.
 
Already 15 establishments in Pathankot had imposed a penalty of Rs. 35,000, after irregularities were detected during raids conducted by the fields officers along with the staff of legal Metrology, the Minister disclosed.
 
Likewise, 10 establishments like medical stores and karyana stores were raided in District Gurdaspur and penalty of Rs. 85,000/- has been imposed. In Kapurthala one karyana merchant was fined Rs 2500.
 
Director Food and Supplied Mrs Anindita Mitra has also reiterated to all the field officers to conduct regular checkings and ensure strict compliance of sales of goods, medicines etc at MRP rates or below.
 
If anyone wants to lodge any grievance regarding overpricing to the Food Civil Supplies Department, Punjab the same can be directed to helpline no 0172-2684000. The grievance of general public would be addressed promptly, she added. /( April 1)