Team Herald
MARGAO: Citizens of Margao claim that shopkeepers on the outskirts of the commercial town and other villages in the vicinity are hoodwinking their customers by not placing their weighing machines in visible places, resulting in inflated prices, and cheating of the common people. Despite several raids by the authorities, who also seize goods and impose fines, some traders and shopkeepers continue to follow such practices, say locals, demanding strict action against such shop owners.
According to consumers, several merchants and sweet vendors across the localities of Aquem, Vidhyanagar-Gogol, Margao Housing Board, and Borda, place their weighing machines deep inside the premises of the shop, facing the wrong direction or hidden amongst stacks of produce, making it impossible for consumers to identify the correct weight of the goods they purchase. One fruit vendor located around the Old Chowgule College road has kept his weighing machine far inside the shop, making it impossible for consumers to check the weight of fruits and vegetables.
Despite the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, which prohibits hoarding and black marketing of these kitchen staples, the prices of pulses and other grains needed for everyday consumption have gone beyond the purchasing capacity of the common people. Shop owners who cheat their customers by not weighing items properly are adding to this problem.
Housewife Geeta Naik said that the prices of pulses, fruits, vegetables, and other essential commodities have been soaring constantly. She alleged that some shops sell items over the MRP, and when questioned, the shop owners become agitated. She questioned the artificial shortage crisis of essential commodities created only to be sold at exorbitant prices in the market.
A retired government officer who wished to remain anonymous said that dishonest shopkeepers follow many unhealthy practices to make hefty profits while selling their goods to customers. One of the most significant places where they are able to con consumers is using faulty weights and measures. “In the past, some shopkeepers used to affix a magnet under the plate of the weighing balance to arrive at the desired weight with fewer products,” he recalled.
Margao-based Milind Raiker alleged that shopkeepers never display the price list of essential commodities and charge customers according to their whims and fancies. He suggested that the authorities concerned investigate the matter and take necessary action against them so that the prices of essential commodities remain within reach of the common man.
