Amid the ongoing crisis in Punjab, the state government has intensified its strict campaign against black marketing in rural markets. As flood-affected communities try to get back on track, Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal personally visited villages and directly spoke with shopkeepers and traders in Ajnala and surrounding areas.
Standing in the busy markets, Minister Dhaliwal gave a clear message – profiteering on essential goods will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Addressing the shopkeepers, he said in Punjabi, “Stay away from black marketing. Don’t increase people’s troubles – if you do this, strict action will be taken under the law.” The presence of police and local officials gave more strength to his message.
Several market associations were also reminded that if anyone is caught hoarding or overcharging, they will face immediate and strict punishment. During the inspection, Dhaliwal also listened to the problems of common people and gave a stern warning to traders that it is their duty to protect their community during such times, not exploit them.
The Minister said that the administrative team will continue conducting raids, and if misconduct is proven, shop licenses will be canceled, shops will be sealed, and complaints will be registered. A 24×7 helpline has also been started to address consumer complaints.Due to such continuous and strict actions, a clear message has gone across Punjab: black marketing and unfair profiteering will not be tolerated.
Dhaliwal’s on-site presence and his strict attitude have been highly appreciated in flood-affected villages, which has built people’s confidence that the government is prioritizing justice and accountability. Routine patrolling and secret investigations will continue in the coming days. Dhaliwal’s team has announced that whoever is found involved in black marketing will not be spared. This ongoing campaign is a warning to every shopkeeper that honesty and fairness are now most important, especially when the people of Punjab are in trouble.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, President of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, warned that prices of daily essential items are continuously rising in many areas including Amritsar. Complaints of hoarding of fodder, ration, and medicines are increasing during the floods. He gave an example that a 25 kg fodder packet worth Rs 550 is now being sold in shops for up to Rs 630. The same situation is with boats used in rescue operations, whose prices are being charged double and sometimes triple.
According to local media reports, record increases in boat prices have been seen in Chandigarh, Ropar, and Amritsar. Wooden boats that were previously bought for Rs 30,000 are now being sold for Rs 60,000. Prices of fiber or rubber boats have increased from Rs 30,000-40,000 to Rs 80,000, while the same boats are being sold for up to Rs 2.5 lakh on online platforms. Additionally, rates of generators, petrol, and essential supplies are being rapidly increased, making flood-affected people face more difficulties.
Seeing these conditions, the Punjab government has adopted a zero tolerance approach. After strict inspections conducted by Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal by going village to village, cases have been registered against several shopkeepers and actions like license cancellation have been started. The government has also announced that daily raids and secret inspections will continue, so that those involved in black marketing don’t get any chance at all.
Due to these quick actions and strict attitude, confidence has increased among the general public. People are saying that this is the first time any government has shown such strictness against black marketing without delay. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his team are being praised for not limiting themselves to just warnings but taking immediate action and arranging to deliver goods at cheap rates to relief camps. This has sent a clear message that the Mann government is a government of the common people – which not only listens but works by going to the spot to solve people’s problems.
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