AGARTALA: In response to growing public concern over escalating food prices, Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Manik Das alongside the Additional SDM conducted a surprise inspection and enforcement drive at Maharajganj Bazar in Agartala on Thursday.
The administrative drive was aimed at investigating the causes behind the steep hike in rice prices and other daily essential commodities across major wholesale and retail markets in the capital.
Key Action Points & Administrative Warnings
- Market Price & Stock Verification: The inspection team audited rice godowns, wholesale outlets, and retail stalls at Maharajganj Bazar to cross-check retail selling prices against wholesale procurement costs, invoice records, and actual stock reserves.
- Tackling Artificial Scarcity & Hoarding: Officials warned traders and merchant associations against illegal hoarding, artificial price manipulation, or creating deliberate supply shortages.
- Mandatory Price Boards: Retailers were strictly instructed to publicly display updated price charts for essential food items at their shops to maintain transparency for consumers.
- Strict Legal Warning: SDM Manik Das cautioned that any merchant found guilty of overcharging, black-marketing, or violating consumer protection norms will face immediate legal action, including heavy administrative fines and license cancellation.
