Sajad Hussain
Srinagar, Mar 15 : Mutton is being sold above the officially fixed rate in several parts of Kashmir ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, with consumers alleging that authorities have failed to enforce the government’s price cap.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has fixed the retail price of mutton at Rs 750 per kilogram. However, residents in several districts said the meat is being sold for as high as Rs 800 per kilogram in many markets.
Reports of overcharging have surfaced from Srinagar, Baramulla, Bandipora and other areas of the Valley, where customers said the price increase has become common in recent days as Eid approaches.
“We went to buy mutton for our household preparations for Eid, but the shopkeeper demanded Rs 800 per kg. When we mentioned the official rate, he said this is the price everywhere now,” said Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar.
Several consumers alleged that the situation persists due to the absence of regular market inspections.
“In Bandipora markets also, mutton is being sold for more than the government rate. If the official price is Rs 750, then why are we forced to pay Rs 800?” said Abdul Rashid, a resident of the north Kashmir district.
Similar complaints were reported from parts of Baramulla, where locals said the prices have gradually increased in the run-up to Eid-ul-Fitr, when the demand for meat usually rises.
“Every year the same thing happens before Eid. Rates go up and there is hardly any checking in the markets,” said a resident of Baramulla town.
Consumers said the difference of Rs 50 per kilogram may appear small, but it adds to the burden on families already facing high food prices.
“Eid is approaching and people have to buy meat for celebrations, but traders are taking advantage of the situation,” said another resident in Srinagar.
Officials from the concerned departments were not immediately available for comment on the allegations of overpricing.
Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is expected to be celebrated later this month depending on the sighting of the moon.
Mehraj Uddin Ganie, president of the All Jammu and Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association, said reports of mutton being sold at Rs 800 per kilogram were “unfortunate” and demanded action against violators.
“If anyone is selling mutton above the official rate, strict action should be taken and such shops must be sealed,” Ganie said.
He alleged that the government had not convened any meeting with mutton dealers ahead of Ramadan this year.
“Earlier, meetings used to be held with the administration before Ramadan to discuss rates and supply, but this year no such meeting was convened. It shows the government’s lack of seriousness on the issue,” he said.
Ganie also urged the authorities to ensure proper market monitoring to prevent overcharging.(KNS)
