Sualkuchi, June 2: The Assam government’s directive aimed at regulating rising market prices appears to have had little impact in Sualkuchi, where traders have reportedly failed to display wholesale and retail prices of essential commodities as instructed.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had recently directed all shops across the state to prominently display wholesale and retail prices of food items on blackboards, ensuring transparency for consumers. The instruction also included directions to district commissioners to hold review meetings to ensure compliance. However, the directive is yet to be implemented in the textile town, according to local observations.
Reports from Sualkuchi indicate that neither fair price shops, private establishments nor cooperative outlets have adopted the practice of displaying commodity prices in a visible manner. Consumers have also alleged that prices of essential goods such as rice, pulses, eggs and vegetables continue to vary from shop to shop.
Local residents have expressed concern over what they describe as unchecked price fluctuations, stating that the absence of effective monitoring has contributed to growing inconvenience for consumers, particularly weavers and daily wage earners who form a significant part of the town’s population.
Criticism has also been directed at the Supply Department, which residents claim has not taken adequate action to regulate prices or enforce compliance. Allegations have further been made that neither departmental inspection teams nor trade association representatives have conducted regular market checks in the area.
According to local accounts, traders are reportedly attributing price increases to rising fuel costs and supply constraints, while consumers allege instances of arbitrary pricing and lack of transparency in the absence of regulatory oversight.
The issue has sparked resentment among sections of the local population, who are urging authorities to ensure strict implementation of the government’s directive and strengthen market monitoring mechanisms to prevent further price irregularities in the region.
