JAMMU, Aug 4: Senior National Conference leader Rajesh Gupta on Tuesday alleged that large scale irregularities were prevailing in the functioning of liquor vends in Srinagar and demanded a high-level, time-bound inquiry into the matter.
Addressing mediapersons in Jammu, Gupta said that during his recent visit to Srinagar, he personally observed that almost all liquor shops were overcharging customers beyond the government notified retail rates. He claimed that the overpricing was being carried out openly and without any apparent fear of inspections or action by the Excise Department.
Gupta alleged that the unchecked overcharging had become a routine practice, causing financial exploitation of both local consumers and tourists. He pointed towards serious lapses in enforcement and monitoring by the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Department.
He further alleged that several liquor vends were not displaying mandatory licence numbers and the names of licence holders as required under the rules. Such violations, he said, reflected a failure of regulatory oversight and warranted immediate action.
The National Conference leader called upon the Vaibhav Kohli Excise commissioner who surprisingly said he is unaware of this. Gupta demanded verify compliance with notified pricing and licensing conditions, and take strict action against any vendor or official found violating the law.
Gupta also urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who holds the Finance portfolio, to order an independent, transparent and time-bound inquiry into the allegations. He said Jammu and Kashmir was aggressively promoting tourism across the country, but alleged overcharging of tourists at liquor shops could tarnish the Union Territory’s image if not addressed promptly.
He maintained that consumers, whether locals or tourists, deserved protection from unfair trade practices and stressed that accountability should be fixed after a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations.