Vendors overcharge, claim residents

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 11

As against the rates fixed by the Market Committee, vegetable and fruit vendors are allegedly overcharging residents.

After the lockdown was announced, the vendors were permitted to sell through CTU buses in different sectors. After the buses stopped plying for the purpose, they were authorised by the civic body to sell the essentials in the city on their own.

Residents said though the market committee releases fixed rates for fruits and vegetables every day, the vendors do not abide by these. When confronted over the issue, they express helplessness and insist on selling on their own rates.

Residents of Sectors 34, 41, 40, 38 (West) and other areas complained of overcharging.

“What is the use of the Market Committee issuing a price list every day when these are not to be followed? When Apni Mandis were being set up, the price list was adhered to,” said Hitesh Puri, Chairman, Chandigarh Residents’ Association Welfare Federation (CRAWFED).

A vendor said: “Earlier, we used to get free transportation through CTU buses. Now, we have to hire tempos. So, we are charging approximately Rs10 per kg extra on all items. You can compare our rates with others. We are still offering a low rate.”

“How transportation could be an issue when almost everyone comes on their own cycle carts. Even if transportation is an issue, the committee should mention that transportation charges will be extra,” Puri added.

Jarnail Singh Mavi, Secretary, Market Committee, said: “The vendors are supposed to follow the rates released by the committee daily. But the MC has to keep a check on it as they are registered by the civic body.”

However, a senior officials of the MC enforcememt wing said: “Vendors are following the rates. In some items, when the quality of an item is better, the prices are increased. If cucumber is mentioned by the committee at a certainrate, but the vendors sell imported ones, then there will be a change in the rate.”