September 13, 2007	Thursday	Sha'aban 30, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Sept 12: The capital administration on Wednesday unveiled the ‘price control plan’ for the month of Ramazan so as to provide maximum relief to the consumers.

A meeting of 77-member District Price Control Committee, presided over by Chief Commissioner Islamabad Hamid Ali Khan, decided to improve the price mechanism in Sabzi Mandi and weekly bazaars.

It decided to install huge price boards at weekly bazaars like that in Sabzi Mandi and instructed the food department to provide the rate list to shopkeepers in rural and urban areas till 9am.

The chief commissioner said the complaint cell of the district administration with land line number (9261504) would work round the clock. The consumers could also fax their complaints at 9261140.

He urged all committee members to monitor prices in their respective areas and said the district administration would be responsible to fulfil its legal obligations to stabilise prices.

He said the strength of magistrates had been increased up to nine for strict price checking during the month of Ramazan.

He said prices of consumer items would be fixed regularly saying that prices of milk, yogurt, basin, Pakora, Jalebi, Roti and pulses had already been notified.

The official agreed to constitute societies that would protect the rights of the consumers.

Representatives of Sabzi Mandi Fruit Vegetables Association said they would ensure frequent supply of fruits and vegetables and keep a balance in demand and supply during Ramazan.

Hamid Ali Khan said the District Price Control Committee, Islamabad, was the largest committee of the country in which consumers, traders and mediapersons had been given significant representation.

He also directed the authorities concerned to maintain quality of consumer items and conduct regular sampling.

The chief commissioner said the purpose of this meeting was to formulate a strategy after mutual consultation so that maximum relief could be provided to the consumers.

He said the committee would play a dynamic role to overcome profiteering and hoarding and every member would accomplish his responsibility.

The prices of essential items are expected to register conventional escalation ahead of the holy month of Ramazan, which was required to be strictly checked by the authorities concerned to ensure price stability.

It is a customary propensity that prices of items of daily use start reflecting upward trend, notwithstanding the fact that prices are not increased by the government.

“That is why it is the prime responsibility of the government to ensure stable prices of essential items, particularly during the month of Ramazan,” Shehzad, a consumer at a local market, remarked.

Increase in prices of various essential items during Ramazan affects the purchasing power of the poor segments of the society. Impact of Ramazan relief packages announced by federal and various district governments should trickle down to consumers at the grass-root level, said Ms Shagufta, a customer at Karachi Company G-9 Markaz.

“Wholesale dealers have increased prices of fruits and vegetables on their own, compelling the retailers and the vendors to follow suit,” said a fruit seller at a local market.

Every year the holy month witnesses a mushroom growth of fruit vendors scattered across the city. They would form a cartel and decide prices of their choice and uniformity in this regard.

In most of the areas, they organise their pushcarts in cluster avoiding any competition among themselves. They would usually maintain the price on the higher side, thus leaving no chance for consumers to get cheaper items from any place in the city.

Majority of the pushcart vendors usually come from rural areas and other provinces to get timely windfall in the twin cities during Ramazan. They disappear from the city markets soon after the holy month is over.

To reduce financial burden on the common man, the authorities concerned must ensure that the consumers are given adequate relief during Ramazan.

Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Nasir Khan has requested traders and businessmen not to consider Ramazan as a time to earn money.—APP