Mutton dealers decry rate fixation
600 per kg unacceptable: Admin
Srinagar: The traders associated with mutton business on Thursday said that mutton rates fixed by the government are not genuine and that it should reconsider the rates.
In a joint press conference here, All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association, All Kashmir Butchers Association, Chinar Sheep and Goat Welfare Association said that the government has been deliberately pushing mutton dealers to the wall.
They said the animal and sheep husbandry department has itself admitted that the production rate is Rs 476 however; the government has fixed the price for sale of mutton at Rs 480.
“This is not genuine,” president of All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association, Mehraj Ud Din said.
Mehraj said that the government called the mutton dealers for a meeting but they did not listen to our suggestions.
“The government must come clear and tell us how selling mutton at Rs 600 per kg is not a genuine,” he added.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Pandurang Kondbarao Pole said that government will ensure that mutton dealers sell mutton at Rs 480 per kilogram.
“We have registered various FIRs against butchers who were overcharging. We have made helpline number public and I request every consumer to use that helpline number in case any butcher overcharges them,” PK Pole said.
He said that the new rates have been decided by the mutton price fixation committee. “We are here for public and nobody will be allowed to loot public. Overcharging won’t be taken easily. It is the responsibility of consumers to complain against those who overcharge, I assure them of strict action,” PK Pole informed.
Pertinently, the mutton dealers demand they should be allowed to charge Rs 600 per KG mutton.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir in fact provided a help line toll free number (1800-180-7114) and requested people to use it in case any butcher over charges them. (with inputs from KNO, KNT)
KV News
