BOMDILA, 23 Jun: Bomdila ADC Ashok Tajo on Tuesday highlighted issues faced by consumers due to fluctuations in the prices of essential commodities, and stressed the need for fixing reasonable market rates that safeguard the interests of both consumers and vendors.

Chairing a meeting of the Market Monitoring Committee (MMC)-cum-Rate Advisory Board at the deputy commissioner’s office here in West Kameng district on Tuesday, Tajo urged the stakeholders to consider the prevailing rates in neighbouring wholesale markets, particularly Tezpur in Assam, while finalising the rates for Bomdila township.

Earlier, District Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Officer Atan Ering presented a comparative analysis of the prevailing market rates of various commodities.

During the deliberations, representatives of grocery retailers, meat and fish dealers, and vegetable vendors placed their views and grievances before the committee. Members of the departments concerned and market bodies also offered suggestions to ensure a balanced pricing mechanism that protects the interests of producers, traders and consumers alike.

Subsequently, the committee reviewed and compared the prevailing rates of various consumable items in Bomdila and Tezpur markets. After detailed discussions, revised market rates for Bomdila township were finalised and approved.

The committee further resolved that the sale of meat, fish and other commodities outside designated market areas shall not be permitted. Stakeholders were advised to report any such violations to the trade development officer for necessary action. It was decided also that all shopkeepers and vendors must prominently display the approved rates of commodities, failing which strict action would be taken against defaulters.

The shopkeepers and vendors were directed to maintain cleanliness in and around their establishments, in accordance with the solid waste management rules.

Among others, the meeting was attended by Trade Development Officer Mekory Dodum, Assistant Controller of Legal Metrology Kesang Tashi, Agriculture Development Officer Urgen NorbuKomu, Horticulture Development Officer Shiyam Gopal, Bomdila Bazaar Committee secretaryLobsang Jamba, representatives of market associations, local vendors and other stakeholders.(DIPR)