The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Steps taken to check price rise

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Thursday, Dec 13, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Steps taken to check price rise

Special Correspondent

Merchants warned against hoarding goods

Crackdown on smuggling of rice into district
Shops told to exhibit stock and price lists

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: District Collector N. Ayyappan said here on Wednesday that the administration had taken steps to control the price of rice and essential commodities in the open market.

Presiding over a meeting of the Price Review Committee here on Wednesday, he directed officials to ensure that prices do not spiral out of control. The meeting decided to crack down on traders smuggling rice into the district. Vehicles used for smuggling will be impounded. Mr. Ayyappan said adequate off take of rice from ration outlets would help hold the price line.

Consumers have been directed to inform the Collector or the District Supply Officer of any attempt at hoarding essential commodities. The officials can be contacted at the control room (Tel. No. 2460866).

All shops are required to exhibit the stock and price list and levy only the exhibited price. Stern action will be taken against outlets that flouting this requirement. Such traders will be fined and their stocks confiscated.

Mr. Ayyappan told the meeting that several traders were found to be charging customers in excess of the printed price on packed goods. He warned that over pricing and selling goods beyond their expiry date would entail action under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, Kerala, Food Stuffs Order and Packet Commodities Order.

The meeting directed officials of the Legal Metrology department to carry out periodic raids and keep a close tab on weights and measures. They were asked to submit a weekly report to the Collector.

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