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NASIR ALI
Srinagar: The exorbitant Bakery, meat and poultry, rates in Srinagar are taking a toll on the consumers. The consumers said that the sellers were overlooking government prices and selling these commodities at exorbitant rates.
The consumers are decrying the failure of the authorities to keep a check on the market. Among the challenges they grapple with on a daily basis is the burden of exorbitant prices at local bakeries, meat, and poultry shops. This economic strain weighs heavily on consumers, impacting their budgets and quality of life.
Bakeries, once considered affordable hubs for fresh bread, pastries, and confectionaries, have now become symbols of financial strain for many Srinagar residents. The rising costs of ingredients, coupled with logistical challenges, have led to a surge in prices that far outpaces the rate of inflation. For families already stretched thin financially, these inflated bakery prices represent a significant portion of their expenses.
A visit to a bakery in Srinagar reveals the stark reality faced by consumers. A simple loaf of bread, a staple in most households, now commands a price that strains the budgets of many. Pastries and other baked goods, once enjoyed as occasional treats, have become luxuries reserved for special occasions due to their inflated costs. This shift has forced consumers to make difficult choices, often sacrificing variety and nutrition for affordability.
The situation is further exacerbated in the meat and poultry sector, where prices have soared to unprecedented levels. Factors such as increased demand, supply chain disruptions, and government regulations have all contributed to this surge. As a result, consumers find themselves grappling with the dilemma of whether to purchase meat and poultry products or allocate their limited funds elsewhere.
The Mirror of Kashmir received complaints about the higher rates of Bakeries, meat, chicken from various areas including Dalgate, Hazratbal, Nishat, downtown, and uptown areas of Srinagar.
Jasim Rasool, a resident of Nishat, expressed his dismay at the current prices of chickens, which are ranging from Rs 160 to Rs 170 per kilogram. He emphasized that these prices not only unjustly burden consumers but also undermine the authorities responsible for price regulation. Rasool stated that if this trend persists, it will become increasingly difficult for ordinary people to afford bakery, meat, and poultry. He highlighted a previous government order, S.O 300, issued by the civil secretariat last year, which he believes has facilitated black-marketing and price exploitation. Rasool urged the LG administration to take immediate action to revoke this order in order to protect consumers from such exploitation.
Shabir Ahmad, a resident of Illahibagh in Srinagar, voiced his concern about the soaring prices of food items and bakery products, particularly as the holy month of Ramadan approaches, paving the way for Eid-ul-Fitr. According to him, certain unscrupulous bakery owners are taking advantage of this period by significantly raising prices, thereby exploiting unsuspecting customers during daylight hours.
For many families in Srinagar, meat and poultry were once dietary staples, providing essential nutrients and flavors to their meals. However, with prices reaching new heights, these items have become out of reach for a significant portion of the population. As a consequence, consumers are forced to explore alternative sources of protein, often compromising on nutritional adequacy in the process.
The impact of exorbitant bakery, meat, and poultry rates extends beyond individual households, affecting the broader economy of Srinagar. As consumers cut back on discretionary spending to cope with rising prices, local businesses suffer from declining sales and revenue. This ripple effect further exacerbates the economic challenges facing the region, perpetuating a cycle of financial instability.
When “The Mirror of Kashmir” met Director FCS&CA, Reyaz Ahmad Sofi, and brought to his attention the exorbitant rates prevailing in the market for bakery products, meat, and chicken, Director said that the department couldn’t take action against such practices by referring to Order No. S.O. 300 dated June 1, 2023, which reads …. “Government J&K revoke J&K Mutton (Licensing and Control) order, 1973 issued vide SRO -646 dated: 19-12-1973 with immediate effect. Further the Directorates of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Jammu / Srinagar all district administration and other enforcement agencies who are regulating prices of livestock products by issuing price notifications quoting SRO-646 date: 19-12-1973 are hereby directed to refrain from issuing or enforcing any order based on the said order,”.… reads an order,
Meanwhile, the soaring prices of bakery, meat, and poultry products have emerged as a pressing issue confronting consumers in Srinagar. The economic strain imposed by these exorbitant rates not only impacts individual households but also undermines the overall well-being of the community. Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing policy reforms, market interventions, and grassroots initiatives aimed at alleviating the burden on consumers and fostering sustainable economic growth.
