ABBOTTABAD: The district administration has established four ‘sasta bazaars’ in both Abbottabad and Havelian tehsils to provide essential items to the people at subsidised rates.

“The sasta bazaars will sell the subsidised fruits, vegetables, flour and other essential items,” deputy commissioner Mohammad Mughees Sanaullah told reporters in his office here on Monday.

Mr Sanaullah said sasta bazaars would also be set up in Galiyat, Lora, Sherwan and other parts of Abbottabad district.

He said the initiative meant to provide relief to the people from inflation was being highlighted through special announcements and billboards in markets.

The deputy commissioner said six field teams consisting of the representatives of district administration, food department and Halal Food Authority had been formed to check overpricing, adulteration and hoarding in different areas of the district.

He said the teams were also visiting the Utility Store Corporation outlets to check the availability of subsidised items, especially sugar.

Mr Sanaullah said the flour production and distribution on subsidy was monitored by the district administration to ensure its smooth availability to the people.

He promises strict action against hoarders and profiteers.

The deputy commissioner said officers of the district administration, food department, tehsil municipal administration and agriculture department visited Sabzi Mandi every morning to monitor auction and prices.

He said more than 200 shops were inspected by field teams daily to prevent overpricing and hoarding.

PROFITEERS HELD: Around 250 people were held in Hazara division last week for overcharging customers and hoarding essential items.The action was taken by the special price and stock checking teams formed by the commissioner of Hazara division at district levels during the inspection of around 6,300 shops, markets, malls and flour mills last week.

A total of Rs2.8 million fine was imposed during the crackdown, officials revealed during meetings chaired by commissioner of Hazara division Riaz Khan Mehsud on Monday.

The commissioner directed the deputy commissioners to take all possible measure to ensure the availability of wheat flour and other essential items on the market and check profiteering.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2020