Dimapur, Nov. 25 (EMN): Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) has urged state government to maintain reasonable price of essential commodities including things sold at Hornbill Festival venue and provided good roads etc. during Christmas season.
NVCO pointed out that unlike market trend in other states, traders in Nagaland tend to take advantage of the season and sell at a higher price, be it clothings, eatables ordecorative items. It stated that several parents in villages bring their children to towns for Christmas shopping but end up facing the brunt of the high prices and were unable to buy items according their estimated budget.
It went on to state that many butchers charge higher price than the prescribed government rates besides issue of tampered weighing machine. In the name of fund-raise, NVCO alleged that several groups including churches charge INR 1000 for 2.5 kg of pork and even higher.
‘Another big upset for every ‘Hornbill Festival’ is the charges of much higher rates at Hornbill Festival site including food, drinks, local stuff, handicraft etc.,’ an NVCO statement issued by media cell stated.
It, therefore, said that it is time for the competent authority to control or ban the sale of items at an exhorbitant rate, which it termed as day-light robbery from citizens in the name of fund-raise by various groups.
NVCO also pointed out that good road, be it National Highway or State Highway or bye-lanes is entitled to all citizens as basic needs. It added that the present deplorable road condition in the state amounts to even ‘Human Rights’ violation.
NVCO urged the state government not to manipulate or divert fund meant for debelopment works, stop deducting commission and also urged the concerned contractors to provide good quality work as well as complete the projects within the time framed.
It is ‘unfortunate’ to come across certain contractors trying to draw money for projects without doing any work, while some contractors intentionally try to delay work for price escalations, it stated.
NVCO went on to urge the state government to provide good roads at least before December 25 and also ban illegal practices of selling various items at an exorbitant rate.