Lone Showkat
SRINAGAR, Nov 13 : The retailer’s of mutton (butchers) across Kashmir valley seem not to be moved by the government order and are continuing to sell meat at the rate it Rs 600 to 650 per kilogram.
Reports reaching Kashmir Despatch said that meat sellers continue flouting the recently fixed government order in a brazen way and are selling the same at exorbitant rates in different parts of Kashmir valley. However, the high prices did not deter the people from buying meat as they throng meat shops in huge numbers early in the morning, reports suggested.
Mutton prices saw an unprecedented increase and even touched ₹700 per kg in several parts of valley after COVID-19 pandemic prompting the dealers to charge extra to make extra bucks.
An officer concerned with regulating process of meat while talking to Kashmir Despatch said that the authorities have not received any complaint sofar. He however, said that a team will conduct market checking and whosoever will be found not following the government orders will be dealt with strictly.
The Government last week fixed the retail price of mutton at Rs 480 per kilogram. The revised rate is a hike of Rs 40 to the last government notified rate of 2016.
As per the order the rates fixed will be applicable till December 2021 after which there would be an automatic price revision of mutton for 2022 as per the wholesale price index of that time.
Pertinent to mention here that the authorities earlier this week filed cases against 37 butchers for over charging.
As reported by this newspaper, taking a stern action against those butchers who sell meat on exorbitant rates, authorizes had booked 37 butchers and had taken action against those vendors who sell vegetables and other eatables to consumers on high rates.
