Imphal, July 05 2010: The Consumers' Club Manipur today demanded the state government to constitute a Price Fixation Committee so as to control the hiking of prices by the traders and businessmen at their own wills.

In a statement issued today by the General Secretary of the Club, Ch Nabachandra, the club observed that taking advantage of frequent bandhs, general strikes and economic blockades, the business community are hiking prices of essential commodities randomly at their wills.

The club has been demanding the state government to constitute a Price-Fixation Committee and the Consumers Affairs Food and Public Distribution department had also issued an order on June 29 to constitute the Committee.

To materialize the order the club had submitted a written application to Imphal West Deputy Commissioner to implement the order of the state government immediately, the statement added.

As per the order of the government, the Price Fixation Committee will fix and revise the prices of all commodities from time to time depending on the prevailing situations of the time.

If any businessman is found selling his wares at prices above those fixed by the Committee and there is also sufficient evidence like video or documentary evidences, etc.

to prove, then the businessman can be given penalty under section 2(i)(v)(ix) of Consumer Protection Act, 1986 for indulging in unfair trade practice.

The consumer can also demand compensation from the erring businessman, it added.