Rates for sacrificial animals: Ensure strict adherence

Ahead of the Muslim festival, Eid-ul-Adha, the government has once again come up with fresh rates for the sacrificial animals, announcing hike of Rs 50 as compared to last year. As far as the ground situation is concerned, despite the government issuing rate list, the people selling the animals have been continuously shown reluctance with regard to adherence to the announcement and have sold the animals as per their will. Nonetheless, the fresh rates announced by the government after a recent tussle with the mutton dealers, witnessed hike of Rs 50 as compared to last year. After the government issued fresh rates, there is a need to ensure strict adherence to the rate list. The government should set up teams of the officers from the concerned department, who should be tasked to visit the designated places to keep an eye on the animal sellers, so that the rate list is followed in letter and spirit. There is a need to take strict action against the people, who will be found violating the norms set by the government. The department concerned should take every possible measure to ensure that the people are not forced to pay hefty amount, which would be against the rate list. It is imperative at this juncture to ensure that the people, who have already suffered due to Covid pandemic, are not pushed to the wall.