LAHORE: Punjab industries department secretary Ehsan Bhutta says the unscrupulous elements are trying to get undue benefit of the increased demand for essential food items in the market on the occasion of Eidul Azha, by artificially increasing prices and overcharging from consumers.He told an emergency meeting of officers of the industries department that such a situation would not be tolerated.

The industries secretary directed all divisional and district administrations, Special Price Magistrates (SPMs) and other relevant departments including agriculture, livestock and industries to make all-out efforts to defeat the nefarious designs of the profiteeringmafia. `A line of action has been conveyed for compliance in letter and spirit,` he said and explained that the deputy commissioners would monitor the supplies of vegetables and chicken in their respective districts and take prompt action in case of any problem.

The deputy commissioners would mobilise all SPMs during Eid days to ensure that they actually visit markets and takeaction against overchargingand non-display ofrate lists.

The DCs had been asked to take action against those SPMs, who would not perform as per expectations. He stressed that special attention would be paid to enforce notified prices of roti.

The secretary said the DCs would also set up cells to monitor prices and supplies. The agriculture department will monitor the supplies of vegeta-bles and fruit and would address issues through market committees. The livestock department would monitor the supplies and prices of poultry items and take timely action in case of any abrupt increase in prices.

While, the industries department would monitor the situation, coordinate with DCs and line departments and apprise the high-ups about the situation.