As Nepal eagerly anticipates the upcoming festive season, ensuring the protection of consumer interests remains a paramount priority for the government. The Department of Commerce, Supply, and Consumer Protection (DoCSCP) under the Federal Government has taken proactive steps to intensify its market monitoring efforts. The primary goal is to prevent unscrupulous traders from exploiting consumers during a period of heightened demand for goods. While market monitoring is a year-round endeavor, the festive season necessitates a heightened vigilance due to the suspicion of potential unethical practices by traders seeking to maximize profits. In the past seven days alone, the Department has reportedly taken action against a total of 150 shops. These measures include imposing cash fines, requesting essential documents, and issuing directives. The Department's proactive stance is praiseworthy and this needs to be further intensified to safeguard the interests of consumers.
The DoCSCP reportedly conducted comprehensive market monitoring operations across various types of businesses from September 3 to September 11. The scrutiny extended to food grains shops, grocery stores, mini-marts, electrical shops, dairies, restaurants, ready-made clothing stores, as well as gold and silver shops. The focus was particularly on places where daily consumer goods are sold and distributed. During these inspections, the Department identified several pressing concerns, including the sale of impure food items, lack of essential documents, and traders failing to display price lists. Ensuring proper records and providing receipts are fundamental practices that promote transaction transparency and protect consumer rights. Additionally, the Department is closely monitoring businesses that conceal the purchase price of goods and engage in practices that mask their profits. Such businesses could face cash penalties, be required to furnish essential documents, receive specific instructions, or even face temporary closure for non-compliance with regulations.
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While the recent effort to step up market monitoring is a positive move, it is important to acknowledge that the Department's commitment to consumer protection transcends a specific festival; it extends from Teej to Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath. This holistic approach ensures that consumers' interests are safeguarded throughout the festive season, regardless of the occasion. A recent report released by the Department has emphasized the urgent need for vigilant monitoring. Prices of various food items have surged in the lead-up to the festivals. The heightened demand for daily consumer goods during the festive season exerts upward pressure on both wholesale and retail prices. Janai Purnima and Teej, followed by Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath, are celebrated with immense enthusiasm in Nepal. The consumption of essential items skyrockets during these festivals, exerting significant pressure on businesses. Traders, driven by the heightened demand, at times arbitrarily increase prices, utilizing various pretexts to justify their actions. Additionally, the report sheds light on price hikes across several food items.
As the festive season approaches, it is imperative that the government's endeavors to ensure fair and transparent trading practices remain steadfast. While the Department's actions against unscrupulous traders are commendable, there is a need for more comprehensive efforts from the relevant government bodies. A concerted and sustained effort is essential to create a market environment that safeguards consumer interests. The failure to hold unscrupulous businesspersons accountable has had detrimental impacts on consumer interests in the past. This status quo must change, and it must change swiftly. As we step into a season of celebration and joy, let it also be a season where consumers can shop with confidence, knowing that their rights and interests are diligently protected by the government. The time is ripe for enhanced market oversight to ensure that the festive spirit is not tainted by unethical practices.
