JAMMU, July 10: Acting on mounting public complaints over exorbitant fruit prices, particularly bananas, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Department has directed fruit wholesalers in Jammu to adopt transparent, grading-based pricing and prominently display updated rate lists at their business establishments.
The directions were issued by Director FCS&CA Jammu, Rajesh Kumar Shavan, during a meeting with representatives of the Fruit Mandi Association, Narwal, held at his office on Friday.
Expressing concern over reports that consumers were being charged nearly identical prices despite the availability of multiple varieties and quality grades of bananas, the Director said such practices violated the principles of fair trade and denied consumers the right to purchase goods at prices reflecting their quality.
He instructed the Fruit Mandi Association to regulate wholesale prices according to the quality, size and variety of fruits and ensure that every wholesaler prominently displays updated price lists. He said proper grading of fruits would help eliminate arbitrary pricing and bring greater transparency to the market.
Representatives of the Fruit Mandi Association assured the department of their full cooperation in implementing the directions.
To strengthen market oversight, the Director also directed all Assistant Directors of the department to hold monthly meetings with stakeholders dealing in consumer goods, closely monitor market practices and intensify inspections to protect consumer interests.
He further instructed them to conduct joint inspection drives with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Legal Metrology Department to ensure strict compliance with fair trade norms and consumer protection regulations.
