Srinagar 24 May (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday directed  Deputy Commissioners of the concerned districts of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to initiate action against black marketers of minor minerals.

An order a copy of which lies within the possession of Kashmir News Service (KNS) reads, "While exercising the powers conferred under rule vii of Government Order No. 1569-GAD of 2018 dated 22-10-2018 and rule 11 of SRO 302 of 2017 dated 19-07-2017, the Deputy Commissioners of the concerned districts of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have notified the maximum price/sale rates to be charged by lessees/license holders/sellers for the Minor Minerals like Sand, Bajri, River Bed Material, etc.

However, it has come to the notice of the Government that people have resorted to overcharging invariably at many places within the Union Territory thereby making the construction material unaffordable to the general public. These lapses have been viewed seriously by the Government and warrants immediate corrective measures".

"Accordingly, it is impressed upon all the Deputy Commissioners to initiate strict action as warranted under the law against the black marketeers, defaulters and ensure strict implementation of the Price fixation notifications within their respective districts", it added. (KNS)