essential prices to be set collaboratively with traders’ involvement
Published on: December 2, 2023.
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Rewritten Article:
Rawalpindi District Administration and Central Kariyana Merchants Association Collaborate for Pricing Reform
In a groundbreaking move, the Rawalpindi district administration and the Central Kariyana Merchants Association have joined forces to establish a new mechanism for re-fixing prices on essential grocery items. This collaborative effort aims to ensure fair pricing for pulses, sugar, and rice.
During the transitional period of implementing this new mechanism, grocery shops will be exempt from fines issued by the price magistrate. This temporary exemption will provide relief to retailers and allow them to adapt to the new system smoothly.
However, it is important to note that the Central Karyana Merchant Association has expressed its reservations regarding the government’s proposal to set a uniform price for grocery items across Punjab. The association emphasizes that more than 15 districts in Punjab, including Rawalpindi, do not produce these items themselves.
The association has brought attention to the additional expenses incurred in sourcing commodities like pulses, rice, sugar, and flour from districts such as Sargodha, Khushab, and Faisalabad. These expenses include transportation costs, loading and unloading fees, and various taxes.
Saleem Pervaiz Butt, President of the Markazi Karyana Merchant Association in Rawalpindi, further elaborated on the matter. He stated that they have already submitted detailed recommendations and suggestions to the Director General Prices Punjab and Secretary Industries. The submitted proposals outline the associated costs involved in transporting these essential goods from their source districts to Rawalpindi.
Butt expressed optimism about the upcoming discussions between the government and their representatives. He believes that through these discussions, a new pricing mechanism covering all grocery items can be approved, finally bringing an end to the 76-year-old dispute.
The collaboration between the Rawalpindi district administration and the Central Kariyana Merchants Association marks a significant step towards ensuring fair pricing and stability in the grocery market. By addressing the challenges faced by retailers and considering the realities of the supply chain, this promising initiative creates a framework that can benefit all stakeholders.
Source: [The Express Tribune](https://tribune.com.pk)
