Bhubaneswar: A day after directing the manufacturers and traders to sell pre-GST stock under new MRP, by putting fresh stickers, the state government Thursday conducted surprise raids at various business establishments and registered cases along with penalty for not adhering to the government’s direction.
The raids were conducted by the Directorate of Legal Metrology department officials at two shopping malls and other business establishments in various parts of the state including Indradhanu Market here.
Legal metrology controller AK Bhuyan said notices have also been issued to traders to comply with the government order.
“In the wake of nation-wide implementation of GST from July 1, traders have been asked to sell pre-GST stock of packaged food items, under new MRP as per GST slab by putting fresh sticker till September end. However, after it was reported that business establishments, malls and other traders are not complying with this order, we have started physical enforcement to initiate appropriate action against those defying the order,” Bhuyan added.
He said that during Wednesday and Thursday raids it has been found that in cases where market price has come down post GST, the business establishments are charging rates as per old MRP which is illegal.
During the surprise raids, cases have been registered against two major business establishments in the city as per packaged commodities rules for defying government order. They have also been fined and asked to comply with the provisions immediately, Bhuyan said, adding, more such surprise raids will be conducted in the coming days and stern action will be taken against the erring entities.
Notably, the state government had warned of strong action Wednesday against traders who are selling the packaged products without new MRP tag as per GST rates.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Surya Narayan Patro had said that traders would have to sell packaged food items with new price stickers till September after which the manufacturers would be releasing new stock to the market with new rates printed on them as per GST slab.
Consumers can also lodge complaints with FSCW department and seek suggestions from the government on the issue for which a toll-free number (155335) has been issued, the minister added.
Consumers can also dial 18003456760 toll-free to reach Consumer Advice Centre of the department to seek suggestions.
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