Writ of district govt in Chitral bazaar

Report Bashir Hussain Azad, Chitral

It is heartening to note that the DCO of Chitral has fixed the prices of essential commodities of daily use during the coming winter keeping in view the best interest of the people.
We appreciate all those steps which are being taken by the DCO for the benefit of Chitral. We see every year that the district administration fixes official rates for various items in the local market. But the fair implementation of these rates has never taken place. Some examples will help us to know the real situation. The DCO has fixed the price of firewood at Rs150 per maund but in the local market it is being sold at Rs210 per maund. Firewood is the most important item widely used during winter season for heating purpose.
The official rate of mutton has been lowered to Rs160 per kg but in the meat market it is available at Rs200 per kg. Similarly, the fixed price of beef is Rs130 per kg but the bazaar rate is Rs150 per kg. Same is the case with Tandoors and vegetable market. A week ago, the DCO paid a surprise visit to the Tandoors and fined some of the owners for selling low weight naan. He also gave prizes to the owners of some tandoors for their honesty and fair play. But the practice of selling low weight rooti at Rs8 is still high in the Tandoor market. The sudden inspection of the market by the DCO and imposition of fine has not discouraged the malpractices of the owners of Tandoors.
Vegetable market is also involved in profiteering. So the strict implementation of the official rate is the need of the hour in Chitral. The district government should ensure its writ and check profiteering and hoarding properly during the winter season.