Despite several efforts by Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) to sensitize wholesalers, retailers and consumers by updating rates on essential items like vegetables, fruits, meat and fish, based on daily supply and demand, some vendors blatantly ignore the notices and continue over-charging customers despite rate fixed by DMC.
When the issue was raised by this Reporter with DMC administrator W. Manpai Phom Friday, the latter highlighted measures initiated by the civic body to address the issue. Manpai explained that in order to keep the public updated with the market prices, DMC has issued helpline number and also WhatsApp groups etc to report on any malpractices. Public may also scan the QR code (shown in this report) to keep themselves updated or contact DMC market rate control Inspector Inaka Zhimomi– 9862929908 and DMC LDA Satya Yadav– 8837207162 for complaints against malpractices.
Manpai said that currently the Market Rate Control Branch (MRCB) was monitoring the situation on a daily basis. The administrator said DMC does not fix the price, but quotes them as per prevailing market rates since prices of perishable food items fluctuate. He said MRCB gather rates from the suppliers in the morning and shares them with chairmen of the colonies and other authorities. Manpai also said that though DMC officials carry out market inspections regularly, some of the vendors flout the notifications and manipulate rates at their whims.
The DMC administrator admitted that it was a challenge to cover all markets in Dimapur and therefore appealed to public to contact the officials/helpline to report any malpractices and provide pictures or video evidence which can be sent on WhatsApp. He said that complaints should be genuine and that people should come forward and contact the helpline number.
He also mentioned that DMC had recently installed digital price chart board in New Market, but due to technical issues the board was not operational. He, however, assured that the issue would be rectified. Manpai also informed that DMC was planning to implement digital boards in other major markets and also update the website where grievances can be addressed by a full-time monitoring team.
Meanwhile, Manpai cautioned that DMC will take stern action and penalize defaulters who are found indulging in unethical practices by imposing a fine of Rs. 2000 (retailers) and Rs. 5000 (wholesalers) and also cancellation of permits.