Civil Administration, legal metrology department, municipal authorities unresponsive as People Suffer
Inayat Qayoom
Baramulla, August,31:
The people of north Kashmir are reeling under the burden of skyrocketing vegetable prices, with the cost of basic items like beans, onions, and potatoes climbing to unprecedented levels. Beans are now being sold at Rs 130 per kilogram, onions at Rs 60, and potatoes at Rs 40. Even the staple leafy green, Haakh, has soared to Rs 60 per kilogram, leaving consumers struggling to cope.
Already grappling with rising prices of essential commodities, the surge in vegetable costs has further strained household budgets. Despite the government issuing official price lists, vendors are blatantly ignoring them, charging exorbitant prices for fruits and vegetables.
“Vendors are dictating their own prices, completely disregarding the rate list provided by the government. We have no choice but to buy these overpriced vegetables. Tomatoes and pears are now being sold at Rs 100 per kilogram. What can a poor family do in such a situation?” lamented Mohammad Haris, a local customer.
What’s more concerning is the apparent inaction from authorities, which is responsible for ensuring that prices remain affordable for the public. Commonly used vegetables such as tomatoes, beans, drumsticks, ladies’ fingers, and brinjals have all seen significant price hikes.
“Beans are being sold at Rs 130 per kilogram, Haakh and green chilies at Rs 70, and French beans at Rs 100. Even pumpkins and bitter gourds are now out of reach for many. We are left with no option but to buy these expensive vegetables,” said Abdul Ahad, a local resident.
The problem isn’t limited to vegetables; fruit prices are also soaring, with little to no effort made to control them, despite clear violations of the government rate list.
“Bananas cost Rs 120 a dozen, and a tray of eggs has reached an astonishing Rs 190. How can someone like me, a poor laborer, afford to buy fruit or even basic vegetables?” asked Mohammad Ayoub, expressing his frustration.
Dr. Amjid, another local resident, shared his concerns, “As a family of five, we are forced to spend at least Rs 200 per day on vegetables alone. If this continues, we’ll be dedicating Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 per month just for vegetables. How are we supposed to manage other expenses?”
He urged the government to take immediate action to prevent further escalation in prices, noting that even middle and upper-middle-class families are feeling the pinch.
When contacted, the Assistant Director of Baramulla stated, “After SO 393, our department couldn’t check the rates. Now Municipality authorities and legal metrology have to take the call.
He also encouraged people to register complaints with the concern department to ensure action is taken against overcharging sellers.