Over 2, 000 Errant Rice Traders Taken to Courts

The Cost of Living Committee had a  meeting held on 25th May 2017. They considered  the problems  faced  regarding  issue  of  rice in the market.

The Committee decided that the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) should take legal action against errant millers,  who hoard paddy stocks and also raid sellers who sell imported rice claiming to be locally produced.

It was transpired that CAA has increased raids and filed cases against almost 2,000 errant traders in 2017,  while in May alone nearly 500 such raids were conducted.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen has instructed CAA to report on the stock levels of millers as well as details of distribution of imported rice stocks in the local market. He also informed the Committee to take steps to stabilize prices in the market.

 In March this year, CAA has called for  details  from 99 rice importers and  any one  failing to provide details  should be  taken to courts said Minister Rishad. Further he   instructed  CAA to inspect mills and warehouses for mixing of any imported and local rice and look for sellers,  who sell such rice. CAA is also instructed to raid sellers who sell rice above MRP.