SRINAGAR, AUGUST 11 ( KINS ): Consequent upon the directions of Advisor to Lt. Governor, J&K, the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) department has recovered a fine of Rs. 63, 90,328 from 18,905 defaulters and lodged a landmark 573 FIRs against the violators from April 2020-March 2021 across the Kashmir valley.
Giving details, the Assistant Director, FC&SCA, Mushtaq Ahmad Wani said that the fines and FIRs were lodged against the butchers, poultry shops, bakery shops, fruit sellers after they were found violating EC Act. He said in addition to imposing fines and lodging FIRs, 160 establishments were also sealed.
He said the department has strengthened its guard and acted heavily against the violators after April 2021 too.
The AD, FCS&CA informed that further an amount of Rs 25,93,320 against 6311 defaulters during April 2021-July 2021 were collected. Besides 265 establishments were sealed as well and 74 FIRs were registered against the violation of the EC Act in Kashmir valley.
It was revealed that during the inspections, the department formulated various teams across the valley to inspect various food establishments, mutton and chicken shops, fruit and vegetable, bakery shops besides various other establishments.
The teams inspected various markets within their jurisdiction, and found defaulters failing to maintain the quality of food items, not displaying rate lists of essential commodities, selling expiry products, besides indulging in practices of illegal profiteering and sale of underweight products.
Apart from imposing fines, the rotten vegetables and other expired items were destroyed on the spot.
The enforcement team headed by AD Enforcement has recently sealed two boutiques one at Lambert lane and another at Bund Side Lal Chowk for charging high rates to customers. Besides jewellery shops have been directed to maintain the quality of gold and sell only HallMark jewellery.
Meanwhile, the general public are being informed to lodge complaints on toll free number: 18001807011 (24×7) in case of any violation in the market.
