Kashmir Residents Demand Price Regulation in Ramadan
Srinagar 03 March 2025: As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, residents across Kashmir are urging the elected government to regulate the prices of essential items such as meat, vegetables, dates, and other necessities. Concerns have been raised over arbitrary rates charged by butchers and other vendors, which could make it difficult for many families to afford essential items for Iftar and Sehri.
Concerns Over Price Hikes:
Consumers fear that without strict monitoring, the prices of mutton, dates, fruits, vegetables, and poultry may soar during Ramadan. Irfan Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar, expressed his concerns, stating, “Every year, the prices of essentials like meat and vegetables shoot up, and there is no proper check on it in the month of Ramadan. The government must ensure that shopkeepers adhere to the fixed rates.”
Mutton Prices:
Locals have reported that mutton prices, currently fixed at Rs 700 per kg, are often inflated by butchers taking advantage of increased demand. Ghulam Nabi, a shopper from Baramulla, shared his experience, “Last year, we had to buy mutton at multiple prices—some places at one rate and some places at another. This time, the government must act in advance to prevent such exploitation.”
Butchers’ Perspective:
Mehraj ud Din, General Secretary of the Mutton Dealers Association Kashmir, stated that the price remains at Rs 700 per kg and that they will try to maintain it during Ramadan. “We are selling mutton at a fixed rate as of now, and we have not received any complaints about increased prices from anywhere,” he said.
Government’s Role:
Officials within the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) admitted their helplessness in controlling prices. “We, too, are consumers and are witnessing the soaring prices in the market, but we are helpless,” an official said.
In June 2023, the Jammu Kashmir government revoked the “J&K Mutton (Licensing and Control) Order, 1973,” which had regulated mutton prices in the region for the past five decades. This decision came after the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, clarified that the legal basis for such regulation was no longer valid. Since then, district administrations and enforcement agencies have lost control and can no longer issue or enforce price notifications for mutton.
Comparisons with Other Regions:
Sources within the FCS&CA department mentioned that while the notification was issued across India, states like Delhi, which is both a national capital and a Union Territory, continue to regulate prices on a weekly basis. “The Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department in Kashmir also wants to act on high prices, but the government is not showing any interest. Instead, it is allowing people to be exploited while acting like mute spectators,” they said.
Public Outcry:
Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of price regulation and the exploitation by vendors. They have called for intensive market checking and regular inspections to ensure that shopkeepers adhere to fair pricing practices. “Ramadan is a time when we should be able to focus on our faith and family, but these skyrocketing prices are making it difficult to manage our daily needs,” said Ghulam Nabi, a local resident of Srinagar.
Bottom-Line:
As Ramadan approaches, the demand for price regulation in Kashmir is growing louder. Residents are urging the government to take swift action to prevent exploitation and ensure that essential commodities are available at reasonable prices throughout the holy month. The focus remains on ensuring that families can observe Ramadan without the added burden of inflated prices.
