Oversee pricing of essentials

The markets are witnessing a massive overpricing of essentials, but unfortunately none from the administration have been tasked to deal with the situation for the wellbeing of the common masses across the Valley. Such a situation of neglecting the public issues has been widely criticized by the sections of the society. The government needs to regulate the essential commodity prices in Kashmir, given the severe impact on the local populace due to the region’s geographical isolation and the recent decontrol of price fixation. The business sentiment is already low, which can be gauged from the fact that each day, possession notices are issued in newspapers to businessmen whose properties are being seized because they are unable to repay their loans. Before some years, the prices of essential items were regulated by the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department. However, now, with decontrolled price fixation, traders can set their own prices, which is particularly detrimental in Kashmir’s context as it is a landlocked region entirely dependent on supplies from outside. There is an urgency for government intervention. One can expect the new government to mitigate the sufferings of the people. There is a pressing need to revert to the previous pattern of price regulation to provide succour to the residents of Kashmir. The government needs to re-establish oversight on the pricing of essential commodities, address the economic hardships faced by local traders and consumers alike, and consider the unique geographical and economic conditions of Kashmir when formulating policy. The government must acknowledge the ground realities and act swiftly to safeguard the interests of the common people who are bearing the brunt of these economic challenges.