Open violations and mute spectators

The concerned Food and Supplies department seems to have stopped acting against the mutton dealers in the Valley as the meat per kg is yet again being sold at the cost of Rs 650, which indicates that the government other than finalizing rates, is seemingly a toothless tiger as the violation in open are being ignored, which pushes the poor people to the wall. The officials from the department usually act during the festivals, which gives an indication of something fishy as there are people who believe that the drives being launched a few days ahead of the festival are being carried out to take bribe from the shopkeepers while the norm violations remain unstoppable on the ground. It is unfortunate that the government has always failed to ensure the implementation of its rates on mutton in the Valley. From time to time, the rates were revised by the government, but the mutton was always sold as per the will of mutton dealers, which points towards the non-seriousness of the concerned department in providing respite to the people on the ground. Although action against mutton dealers has been taken, the widespread drive that is mandatory and necessary at this juncture has to be started at this juncture to ensure that the promises done with the people are fulfilled and the action against the norm violators are taken without any bias. The time calls for respite from exorbitant rates and thus the implementation of the government set rates in letter and spirit becomes the need of the hour.