Srinagar November 10:(KNS) Jammu & Kashmir RTI Movement has demanded categorization of mutton into A , B and C categories so that rates are fixed as per the quality not notifying a generalized rate which neither benefits the consumers nor the mutton sellers.

In a statement to KNS, Chairman RTI Movement Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat said that majority of the mutton sold in market is of inferior quality and even if Rs 480 per kg are fixed for such mutton that is still unjustified. But if quality mutton is sold by some butchers they cannot be forced to sell the same @ Rs 480 or Rs 500 as they purchase the young sheep at higher rates than the sheep who are aged and have delivered several times in the past. Mutton of such types of sheep can’t be even sold @ Rs 450 or Rs 400 / Kg.

“Govt must start categorizing the mutton as fruits that are categorized into A, B and C categories . The RTI Movement has been telling this for the last many years. Most of the mutton dealers slaughter old female sheep which are purchased on very lower rates as compared to 1 or 2 year old male sheep and such inferior mutton is sold @ Rs 600 which is injustice. The said mutton should not even be sold @ Rs 500 but those mutton sellers who sell quality mutton should not be harassed. If they sell mutton @ Rs 550 or 600 they should not be harassed . Govt must take these things into consideration “ said Dr Raja Muzaffar.

RTI Movement has appealed Secretary Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS & CA) to intervene(KNS)