Punjab Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu on Wednesday ordered to intensify the ongoing state-wise raids to check the problem of over pricing during the lockdown. Ashu has also directed all field officers to ensure that the sale of essential commodities must be done strictly at the MRP 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 field officers along with the staff of legal Metrology, the Minister said. Another 10 establishments like medical stores and karyana stores were raided in Gurdaspur district and penalty of Rs 85,000 has been imposed, one karyana merchant was fined Rs 2,500 in Kapurthala.
Food and Civil Supplies director Anindita Mitra said that any grievance regarding overpricing to the Department can be reported to the helpline no 0172-2684000.