Rates fixed, but vendors sell essentials at higher price in Panchkula

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, March 27

A day after the district administration capped the maximum retail price of fruits and vegetables to stop price manipulation by designated vendors, the unlawful practice doesn’t seems end. This correspondent called six vendors in different sectors on their mobile phones posing as a genuine buyer in a bid to know if the price mismatch exists.

It was found that vegetables less in supply (except onion, tomatoes and potatoes) were being sold at a higher price. For example, at least three vendors were selling ginger for Rs 160 per kg. The price fixed for ginger is Rs 120 per kg. Vendors were also overcharging for fruits likebanana and apple.

“Though vendors could be seen ferrying essentials in several residential sectors in different hours of the day, a sense of normalcy was still at bay. Officials still have to do a lot to keep things intact,” said Shivika, a Sector 4 resident.

On Thursday, officials had displayed a list suggesting maximum price for vegetables and fruits in order to monitor cost of essential items. If any vendor is found selling essential items at price higher than fixed by the administration, residents can contact nearest duty magistrate for action against such seller.

To ensure enough supply, the Marketing Department had authorised 60 more vendors to sell daily-use items on Thursday.

24 Seven, Easy Day, Amartex to deliver on the doorstep

The authorities today released a new list of departmental stores that would deliver essential items at doorstep in Panchkula district. Interestingly, just three popular brands – 24 Seven, Easy Day and Amartex – have been finalised to serve the purpose. This includes nine stores of 24 Seven, nine of Easy Day and three of Amartex.

Officials conduct survey

Anand Mohan Sharan, Principal Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment, on Friday surveyed various parts of the city, including Saketri, Mata Mansa Devi Sthal, to know about the supply of essential food items provided to the people during the ongoing lockdown. He was accompanied by Panchkula Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Kumar Ahuja.

Covid call centre set up in Panchkula

“A state-level call centre has been set up by the National Health Mission Haryana at Sector 16-A, Panchkula, for redressal of Covid-19 related grievances coming from all over Haryana. The centre will remain operational 24x7. The helpline number of this call centre is 1075 and 8558893911,” said Mukesh Kumar Ahuja, Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula.

“Anyone can get Covid-19 related information by dialling these numbers,” he added.

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