Expose overcharging on sand, get Rs 25,000: Jalandhar DC

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, November 24

To ensure availability of sand to people at new rates, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ghanshyam Thori on Wednesday announced reward worth Rs25,000 for conducting sting operation for exposing overcharging in the district. Thori also warned that the overcharging on sand prices, if found, would be also dealt strictly.

Soliciting support from general public to end the illegal practice, the DC urged them to conduct maximum sting operations so that appropriate action could be initiated. He further clarified that the reward would be given only in cases where such videos would lead to registration of FIRs against the violators on the basis of visual evidence.

The DC added that people could send the videos recorded by them on overcharging at WhatsApp number 9501799068 for further action.

DC Thori had convened a special meeting recently with prominent transporters, mining contractors, retailers where retail prices of sand were fixed on a consensus basis.

Thori further added that during the meeting it was unanimously decided that the sand would be made available at retail outlets at Rs 15 per cubic feet (excluding transportation charges to consumers location) in the municipal area of Jalandhar city, likewise at Rs 11.5 in Phillaur, Nakodar, Noormahal, at Rs 11 in Mehatpur, Shahkot, Rs 12 in Bilga, Lohian, Rs 13 in Goraya and Kartapur (from Beas), and Rs 15 in Adampur and Alawalpur municipal areas. He also mentioned that the rates fixed by the administration are for retail counters and customers have to bear transportation expenses to further get the sand delivered at their locations.

The Deputy Commissioner had announced cash reward for overcharging of Covid-19 tests also, which helped keep the rates under control and nab profiteers.