PULWAMA: In view of the forthcoming Eid-ul-Adha festival, a market checking drive was conducted today across Pulwama to ensure the availability of quality goods, curb overpricing, and maintain overall market discipline during the festive season. The drive was carried out on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom.
During the drive, inspection teams checked various establishments including meat shops, bakeries, vegetable and fruit vendors, grocery stores, and other commercial outlets. The objective of the exercise was to verify proper rate display, ensure hygienic handling of food items, and prevent the sale of adulterated or expired products.
Emphasis was laid on ensuring the accuracy of weighing scales and the compliance of traders with legal norms. On the occasion, several shopkeepers were sensitized about the need to maintain cleanliness, display price lists prominently, and avoid any exploitation of consumers during the festive rush.
Besides, perishable items found unfit for consumption were disposed-off on the spot and fines were also imposed on vendors for violating different provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act. Meanwhile, authorities urged all vendors to adhere strictly to the prescribed guidelines to ensure hygiene, cleanliness, and public health safety and warned them of strict action against any malpractice.