Katra, Feb 09, 2019 : On directions of Amit Sharma, Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Jammu, the team of District Reasi conducted intensive market checking drive in Katra (BAse Camp fo Holy Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Shrine) wherein lot of pilgrimage tourists visit everyday. A joint team comprising of Dr. Nasir Ahmed Butt, Assistant Director, FCS & CA Reasi, Sardari Lal, Tehsil Supply Officer Katra and Vicky Sharma, Inspector Legal Metrology Reasi under overall supervision of Director, Department of FCS&CA Jammu, Amit Sharma checked various business establishments in Katra town and booked many of them yesterday.

It is pertinent mention here that Amit Sharma, Director FCS&CA Jammu has been receiving complaints through formal and informal resources that in the holy base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, lot of shopkeepers and business establishments were charging unfair rates for inferior products and innocent pilgrims were getting duped. He acted promptly on same and in collaboration with Ali Afsar, Controller Legal Metrology, a Joint Team of FCS&CA alongwith Legal Metrology was constituted and they conducted a surprise inspection of Holy Township of Katra and ended-up collecting a firm amounting to ₹13000/- under J&K Essential Commodities Act from various Business establishments located there for unfair trade practices. The team also warned business establishments and shopkeepers not to overcharge items besides displaying of the approved Rate Lists. Director FCS&CA Amit Sharma complimented the team for prompt action in Katra and he further warned that if any business house found indulged in unfair trade practices especially during these winter months would be dealt in strictly and more strtingrnt action would be taken against the defaulting business houses found involved in such unfair business praises in various areas locate in entire Jammu division. Moreover, he mentioned that many similar surprise drives are lined-up in winter capital of the state and business houses should ensure to follow ethical business practices in Jammu, City of Temples which is known for having highest values and culture.