The Government of Manipur has fixed revised wholesale and retail price ceilings for 18 essential food commodities across five valley districts, prohibiting traders from selling the notified items above the prescribed retail rates.
The order, issued by the Secretariat, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department, under No. EC-103/1/2021-CAFANDPD-CAF&PD, invokes Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and takes immediate effect until further orders.
The revised rates cover Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching districts. For Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts, retail prices have been fixed at Rs. 4 above the prescribed rates.
Among the notified rates, Grade-I Matar (Mangal) has been fixed at Rs. 70 per kg, Matar dal at Rs. 76, old and new potatoes at Rs. 28 and Rs. 30 respectively, white and red onions at Rs. 50 and Rs. 53, and sugar at Rs. 76 for medium and Rs. 78 for special grade.
Masur dal has been fixed at Rs. 90, Rs. 100 and Rs. 150 per kg for big, medium and special grades respectively. Arhar dal ranges from Rs. 130 to Rs. 142, while Moong dal is priced at Rs. 120 and Rs. 125 for Grade-II and Grade-I respectively.
The notified rates also include atta and maida at Rs. 50 per kg, Andhra Permal rice at Rs. 58, UP rice at Rs. 55, and garlic at Rs. 190 for small and Rs. 260 for big varieties. Kala dal ranges from Rs. 135 to Rs. 150 per kg.
Mustard oil, Ruchi oil and refined soybean oil have also been included, with prices prescribed according to their respective 13-kg tins. Salt is to be sold at the applicable maximum retail price (MRP).
The order makes it mandatory for wholesale and retail establishments dealing in the notified commodities to prominently display their wholesale and retail rates at their business premises. It further states that the prescribed prices are indicative ceilings and must not be exceeded. The government has also provided for periodic revision of the rates depending on market availability.
The order is aimed at regulating prices of essential food items and protecting consumers from overcharging. Consumers can check the displayed price lists and question any demand exceeding the government-notified ceilings.
Meanwhile, in view of the upcoming Ningol Chakouba and Diwali festivals, the Legal Metrology Department, under the guidance of Controller Y. Nelson Singh, is conducting inspection and verification of weighing instruments and packaged commodities to ensure accuracy, prevent malpractices, and protect consumer rights.
The verification drive aims to protect consumers’ rights, ensure compliance with Legal Metrology standards, and safeguard consumer interests.
