Srinagar- Despite the claims of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) department in keeping prices of sacrificial animals under check, many people in this capital city on Thursday alleged overpricing and higher rates of the livestock at different makeshift markets.
With just two days ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, hundreds of people turned up at different designated places in this capital city since Thursday morning to buy the sacrificial animals. However, many of the buyers alleged overpricing by the dealers.
Hilal Ahmad, a resident of Karan Nagar, told Kashmir Observer that he went to Eidgah, Srinagar to purchase the ram for Qurabni but was surprised to see the rates.
Ahmad said that even as the government re-fixed the sale rate of sacrificial (Qurbani) animals, the people selling the livestock on the ground are not adhering to the rate list.
The authorities have designated various places in Kashmir, including Srinagar’s Eidgah as animal mandis which is abuzz with sale and purchase of sacrificial goats, sheep.
The government on Monday fixed the rates of sacrificial animals in Kashmir ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
As per an order issued by Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Kashmir Dr Abdul Salam Mir, the rates for Delhi Walla and Merino Cross varieties of Sheep have been fixed at Rs 310 per kg, up by Rs 25 than last year, while as those of Bakerwal and Kashmiri varieties as Rs 295 a kg, also increased by Rs 25 per kg.
The rate for goat has been increased by Rs 25 than last year and fixed at Rs 285 per kg, reads the order.
The Monday’s notification comes consequent upon the decision taken in a meeting of officials regarding the fixing/review of rates of the sacrificial (Qurbani) livestock.
The rates have been fixed under the J&K Mutton Licensing and Control Order 1973 and SRO 31 of 1974, the notification adds.
However, the sellers argue that they can’t do business at the government’s rate which puts them in deep economic loss.
“I have been taking care of my sheep for two years and have spent over lakhs of rupees on them, I expect better rates,” said Dilawar Khan, who had come from South Kashmir’s Anantnag to sell his livestock at Eidgah here.
However, the consumers allege that even if the rates were fixed, the authorities have failed to implement it in letter and spirit.
“It seems the administration is only making statements. On the ground, the situation is totally opposite,” Mohammad Nazir from Batamaloo told Kashmir Observer.
Pertinently, the Deputy Commissioner conducted a surprise visit to Eidgah on Thursday to inspect the process of sale of sacrificial animals.
The DC directed the Tehsildar Eidgah who was present on the occasion to ensure Government approved rates for sacrificial animals is implemented in letter and spirit without any deviations so that people do not get fleeced
Talking to Kashmir Observer, Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Kashmir Dr Abdul Salam Mir said they have dispatched teams to all the areas where sale and purchase of sacrificial goats, sheep are going on.
“People should inform them (the team) immediately if anyone is selling the animals at high rates,” he added.
When asked a video of a man selling the sheep at Rs one lakh is going viral on social media, he said “we will trace him and won’t let it happen”
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