CDGL staffers take advantage of DCO’s absence

Monday, December 01, 2008

By Jawwad Rizvi

LAHORE: THE situation of makeshift markets has not improved as the City District Government Lahore officials are not performing their duties properly.The district coordination officer did not visit any Sunday bazaar this week while staffers deputed by towns were absent, as they were fully aware that no top CDGL official will visit the bazaar.In majority of Sunday bazaars, the staff deputed left after marking their attendance in the register. Only in Shadman Sunday bazaar, the staff was available until evening as this bazaar is located near the Government Officer Residence (GOR) and staff feared that any top official could make a surprise visit to the bazaar.Complaints about quality of fruits and vegetables are also prevalent in almost every Sunday bazaar and the condition of Sunday bazaars in poor localities is worse.This week again no improvement was seen in Sunday bazaars in poor localities despite CDGL claims to make them model markets.Similarly, vendors with vegetables carts were standing on premises of the bazaar and the management did not ask them to go outside even though carts are not allowed in Sunday bazaars.In majority of Sunday bazaars, quality of fruit and vegetable was substandard while vendors continued sale of mixed fruits and vegetables at A-grade prices fixed by market committee.The Livestock Department again fixed price of chicken meat higher than the open market. The price of chicken meat in Sunday bazaar was Rs 119 per kgme while in open market it sold at Rs 115 to Rs 120 per kg.The price of onion was fixed at Rs 17 to Rs 22 per kg as compared to Rs 20 to Rs 24 per kg in Sunday bazaars. However, vendors sold it at Rs 22 per kg and mixed lower grade onion with A-grade.The price of onion for wholesale market was fixed at Rs 15 to Rs 20 per kg and it sold at Sunday bazaar rate in Singhpura wholesale market. Its retail price was fixed at Rs 18 to Rs 24 per kg but is sold at Rs 25 to Rs 28 per kg.The price of new potato in Sunday bazaars was reduced by Rs 5 to Rs 8 per kg and fixed at Rs 17 to Rs 20 per kg from last week Rs 22 to Rs 28 per kg. The wholesale price of potato was fixed at Rs 15 to Rs 18 per kg but it sold at Rs 20 per kg while in retail market it sold at Rs 22 to Rs 25 per kg against the price of Rs 18 to Rs 21 per kg.Acute shortage of tomato was seen in the Sunday as well as open markets this week. Tomato was not available in almost all Sunday bazaars while in Shadman people had to queue up to purchase tomato.The price of tomato was fixed at Rs 38 to Rs 44 per kg but it sold at Rs 48 to Rs 50 per kg. In open market, tomato was sold at Rs 60 to Rs 80 per kg.The price of garlic china was fixed at Rs 26 to Rs 30 per kg and desi garlic at Rs 16 to Rs 22 per kg. The rate of ginger china was fixed at Rs 62 to Rs 66 per kg and ginger Thai was fixed at Rs 56 to Rs 60 per kg. The price of cucumber gained by Rs 6 per kg and was fixed at Rs 28 to Rs 32 per kg from the last week’s price of Rs 22 to Rs 26 per kg.The price of peas was fixed at Rs 42 to Rs 48 per kg from Rs 44 to Rs 50 per kg in Sunday bazaar, but it sold at Rs 50 per kg while in open market and Singhpura Mandi it sold at Rs 50 to Rs 60 per kg. Capsicum price was fixed at Rs 32 to Rs 36 per kg and green chilli at Rs 22 to Rs 26 per kg from Rs 16 to Rs 22 per kg.The price of lemon china was fixed at Rs 14 to Rs 18 per kg from Rs 15 to Rs 22 per kg. The price of cauliflower was fixed at Rs 12 to Rs 15 per kg after registering a decline of Rs 8 to Rs 9 per kg from last week price of Rs 20 to Rs 24 per kg. Cabbages price was fixed at Rs 7 to Rs 9 per kg. Spinach price was fixed at Rs 7 to Rs 9 per kg from Rs 10 to Rs 12 per kg.The price of radish at Rs 4 to Rs 6 per kg, carrot price was fixed at Rs 12 to Rs 16 per kg from Rs 22 to Rs 28 per kg, brinjal was fixed at Rs 14 to Rs 16 per kg, and turnip was fixed at Rs 7 to Rs 9 per kg. Ladyfinger price was fixed at Rs 40 to Rs 48 per kg and pumpkin Rs 20 to Rs 22 per kg. The price of apple was fixed at Rs 22 to Rs 55 per kg (depending on the quality) from Rs 24 to Rs 46 per kg but the average price of apples in makeshift markets was Rs 30 to Rs 45 per kg.The price of banana was Rs 12 to Rs 32 per dozen while the average price of banana in Sunday bazaar was Rs 25 to Rs 30 per dozen.

CDGL staffers take advantage of DCO’s absence

Monday, December 01, 2008

By Jawwad Rizvi
LAHORE: THE situation of makeshift markets has not improved as the City District Government Lahore officials are not performing their duties properly.The district coordination officer did not visit any Sunday bazaar this week while staffers deputed by towns were absent, as they were fully aware that no top CDGL official will visit the bazaar.In majority of Sunday bazaars, the staff deputed left after marking their attendance in the register. Only in Shadman Sunday bazaar, the staff was available until evening as this bazaar is located near the Government Officer Residence (GOR) and staff feared that any top official could make a surprise visit to the bazaar.Complaints about quality of fruits and vegetables are also prevalent in almost every Sunday bazaar and the condition of Sunday bazaars in poor localities is worse.This week again no improvement was seen in Sunday bazaars in poor localities despite CDGL claims to make them model markets.Similarly, vendors with vegetables carts were standing on premises of the bazaar and the management did not ask them to go outside even though carts are not allowed in Sunday bazaars.In majority of Sunday bazaars, quality of fruit and vegetable was substandard while vendors continued sale of mixed fruits and vegetables at A-grade prices fixed by market committee.The Livestock Department again fixed price of chicken meat higher than the open market. The price of chicken meat in Sunday bazaar was Rs 119 per kgme while in open market it sold at Rs 115 to Rs 120 per kg.The price of onion was fixed at Rs 17 to Rs 22 per kg as compared to Rs 20 to Rs 24 per kg in Sunday bazaars. However, vendors sold it at Rs 22 per kg and mixed lower grade onion with A-grade.The price of onion for wholesale market was fixed at Rs 15 to Rs 20 per kg and it sold at Sunday bazaar rate in Singhpura wholesale market. Its retail price was fixed at Rs 18 to Rs 24 per kg but is sold at Rs 25 to Rs 28 per kg.The price of new potato in Sunday bazaars was reduced by Rs 5 to Rs 8 per kg and fixed at Rs 17 to Rs 20 per kg from last week Rs 22 to Rs 28 per kg. The wholesale price of potato was fixed at Rs 15 to Rs 18 per kg but it sold at Rs 20 per kg while in retail market it sold at Rs 22 to Rs 25 per kg against the price of Rs 18 to Rs 21 per kg.Acute shortage of tomato was seen in the Sunday as well as open markets this week. Tomato was not available in almost all Sunday bazaars while in Shadman people had to queue up to purchase tomato.The price of tomato was fixed at Rs 38 to Rs 44 per kg but it sold at Rs 48 to Rs 50 per kg. In open market, tomato was sold at Rs 60 to Rs 80 per kg.The price of garlic china was fixed at Rs 26 to Rs 30 per kg and desi garlic at Rs 16 to Rs 22 per kg. The rate of ginger china was fixed at Rs 62 to Rs 66 per kg and ginger Thai was fixed at Rs 56 to Rs 60 per kg. The price of cucumber gained by Rs 6 per kg and was fixed at Rs 28 to Rs 32 per kg from the last week’s price of Rs 22 to Rs 26 per kg.The price of peas was fixed at Rs 42 to Rs 48 per kg from Rs 44 to Rs 50 per kg in Sunday bazaar, but it sold at Rs 50 per kg while in open market and Singhpura Mandi it sold at Rs 50 to Rs 60 per kg. Capsicum price was fixed at Rs 32 to Rs 36 per kg and green chilli at Rs 22 to Rs 26 per kg from Rs 16 to Rs 22 per kg.The price of lemon china was fixed at Rs 14 to Rs 18 per kg from Rs 15 to Rs 22 per kg. The price of cauliflower was fixed at Rs 12 to Rs 15 per kg after registering a decline of Rs 8 to Rs 9 per kg from last week price of Rs 20 to Rs 24 per kg. Cabbages price was fixed at Rs 7 to Rs 9 per kg. Spinach price was fixed at Rs 7 to Rs 9 per kg from Rs 10 to Rs 12 per kg.The price of radish at Rs 4 to Rs 6 per kg, carrot price was fixed at Rs 12 to Rs 16 per kg from Rs 22 to Rs 28 per kg, brinjal was fixed at Rs 14 to Rs 16 per kg, and turnip was fixed at Rs 7 to Rs 9 per kg. Ladyfinger price was fixed at Rs 40 to Rs 48 per kg and pumpkin Rs 20 to Rs 22 per kg. The price of apple was fixed at Rs 22 to Rs 55 per kg (depending on the quality) from Rs 24 to Rs 46 per kg but the average price of apples in makeshift markets was Rs 30 to Rs 45 per kg.The price of banana was Rs 12 to Rs 32 per dozen while the average price of banana in Sunday bazaar was Rs 25 to Rs 30 per dozen.

Sunday bazaars fail to serve people

Monday, November 24, 2008


By Jawwad Rizvi
LAHORE: THE makeshift markets of essential items have failed in providing relief to the common man.

The makeshift markets were established with a concept to provide relief to the common man by ensuring availability of fruits and vegetables there at reduced prices.

Some officials of the City District Government, on the condition of not to be named, said that after Ramazan the focus of the CDGL had shifted from makeshift markets to other issues and currently it had been focusing on dengue fever control. There is no relief at Sunday bazaars for the people, they said admitting that the prices of different fruits and vegetables were almost the same in the open and makeshift markets.

If the price of some fruits or vegetables is less than their prices in the open market then their quality will be low, they added.

In the absence of any check from the higher authorities, the lower staff deputed at the makeshift markets usually remains absent from their duties after marking their attendance in attendance register.

The high level staff also remains absent from Sunday bazaars if they have information that the district coordination officer (DCO) will not visit the Sunday bazaars, officials added.

There are complaints of poor quality of fruits and vegetables in almost every Sunday bazaar.

No one takes action on the sale of poor quality fruits and vegetables while people are compelled to buy poor quality items at higher rates.

CDGL officials usually visit the bazaars in the poor localities; Tajpura, Green Town and Shahdara, after long intervals. Thus the management of the bazaars in these areas do not care for the complaints.

Incidents of misbehaviour of the officials frequently occur at almost every Sunday bazaars, particularly at the bazaars where the top management of the CDGL does not visit regularly.

The Punjab chief minister had also paid visits to the makeshift market in Ramazan. But after Ramzan, no visits were paid to these bazaars by the CM or any MPA.

Still no improvement was seen in the Sunday bazaars set up in poor localities despite the CDGL’s claims to make them model makeshift markets.

The vendors in the poor localities’ Sunday bazaars were still selling their products by putting them on ground.

Vendors holding their vegetables carts were standing inside the bazaars despite ban on entry of such carts to the bazaars.

In majority of Sunday bazaars substandard fruits and vegetables were being sold. Vendors also continued sale of mixed fruits and vegetables at A-grade price.

The price of onion was fixed at Rs 20 to Rs 24 per kilogram in Sunday bazaars after increase in it by Rs 4 to Rs 6 per kilogramme as compared to the last week’s price of Rs 16 to Rs 18 per kg. Vendors sold onion at Rs 24 per kg by mixing low grade onion in it. The price of onion for wholesale market was fixed at Rs 18 to Rs 22 per kg. Its retail price was fixed at Rs 21 to Rs 26 per kg and it was sold at Rs 26 to Rs 28 per kg in retail.

The price of new potato in Sunday bazaars reduced by Rs 2 to Rs 4 per kg and was fixed at Rs 22 to Rs 28 per kg from the last week’s price of Rs 26 to Rs 30 per kg. The wholesale price of potato was fixed at Rs 20 to Rs 26 per kg but it was sold at Rs 28 per kg while in retail market it was sold at Rs 32 to Rs 34 per kg against the price of Rs 24 to Rs 30 per kg.

The price of stored potatoes remained stable at Rs 12 to Rs 15 per kg. The price of tomato increased by Rs 14 to Rs 15 per kg and reached Rs 40 to Rs 45 per kg from the last week’s price of Rs 26 to Rs 30 per kg. In Sunday bazaars, it was sold at 45 per kg.

The price of garlic, China, was at Rs 27 to Rs 30 per kg after increase of one to two rupees per kg in its previous price of Rs 26 to Rs 28 per kg. Garlic, Desi, price was fixed at Rs 17 to Rs 22 per kg after registering an increase of Rs 3 to Rs 5 per kg.

The rate of ginger, China, increased by Rs 5 to Rs 6 per kg and was fixed at Rs 62 to Rs 66 per kg and ginger, Thai, price increased by Rs 16 to Rs 15 per kg and was fixed at Rs 56 to Rs 60 per kg. The price of cucumber remained stabled at Rs 22 to Rs 26 per kg.

The price of peas was fixed at Rs 44 to Rs 50 per kg in Sunday bazaars and it was sold at Rs 50 per kg while in open market and Singhpura Mandi it was sold at Rs 50 to Rs 70 per kg. However, the quality of peas in makeshift markets was low.

Capsicum price was fixed at Rs 32 to Rs 36 per kg. Green chilli price was fixed at Rs 16 to Rs 22 per kg from its previous price of Rs 20 to Rs 22 per kg.

The price of lemon, China, was fixed at Rs 15 to Rs 22 per kg while its previous price was Rs 14 to Rs 20 per kg.

The price of cauliflower was fixed at Rs 20 to Rs 24 per kg from the last week’s price of Rs 22 to Rs 26 per kg but it was sold at Rs 25 to Rs 30 per kg.

Spinach price was fixed at Rs 10 to Rs 12 per kg. The price of radish was at Rs 4 to Rs 7 per kg but it was sold at Rs 5 to Rs 8 per kg in Shalimar, Tajpura, Jhor Town and Shadra Sunday bazaars. Carrot price was fixed at Rs 22 to Rs 28 per kg but it was sold at Rs 28 to Rs 32 per kg in Sunday bazaars. Brinjal price was fixed at Rs 16 to Rs 18 per kg but it was not available in makeshift markets. Turnip price was fixed at Rs 10 to Rs 12 per kg. Ladyfinger price was fixed at Rs 40 to Rs 48 per kg from the last week’s price of Rs 35 to Rs 42 per kg.

The price of different quality apples was fixed at Rs 24 to Rs 46 per kg from the last week’s price of Rs 19 to Rs 52 per kg. Average price of apples in makeshift markets was at Rs 30 per kg.

The price of banana was at Rs 12 to Rs 32 per dozen as compared its last week’s price of Rs 10 to Rs 22 per dozen while average price of banana in Sunday bazaars was Rs 25 per dozen.

The price of pomegranate, Bedana, was at Rs 80 to Rs 102 per kg and Kandhari at Rs 52 to Rs 82 per kg while vendors charged higher sides of their prices Rs 100 and 70 per kg respectively.

The rates of grapes ranged between Rs 72 and Rs 132 per kg. However, in routine, it was sold at Rs 90 to Rs 100 per kg. The price of guava was Rs 22 to Rs 32 per kg. The price of grapefruit was at Rs 7 to Rs 12 per piece and mosumi at Rs 26 to Rs 42 per dozen.

Sunday bazaar officials get rough with shoppers

Monday, November 17, 2008
By Jawwad Rizvi

LAHORE:IN the absence of check from higher authorities this week, the staff deputed at Sunday Bazaars misbehaved with the shoppers who approached them for redress of their grievances.
The high officials concerned did not visit Sunday bazaars because they were informed that the district coordination officer (DCO) would not visit the makeshift markets this week.
The visitors to the Sunday bazaars were left at the mercy of vendors and lower staff who always misbehaved with them.
Incidents of misbehaviour often occur at almost every Sunday bazaar, particularly where the top management of the City District Government, Lahore, does not pay regular visits.
The DCO usually visits the neglected Sunday bazaars, including Tajpura, Green Town and Shahdara bazaars, after long intervals so the management of these bazaars do not care for the public complaints.
The managements of these Sunday bazaars, with their previous experiences, know that the top brass of the CDGL is least interested in the bazaars.
The government always takes notice of the situation when it goes out of control.
A market committee official at Shalimar Sunday bazaar also misbehaved with this correspondent when pointed out that the price of garlic, Desi, was Rs 28 per kilogram against Rs 17 per kg fixed by the market committee. The official, instead of admitting his mistake, told this scribe said to do what he could. “Are you DC Jhang?” the official said and asked the correspondent to complain to anyone about it.
The reporter went to the town management stall to lodge his complaint but the senior officer, Amer Khan, who is responsible for managing this makeshift market, was not there. The staff said that Amer would come late as he had a piece of work at home. In such situation who will ensure redress of grievances of the consumers?
This week again no improvement was seen in the poor localities’ Sunday bazaars despite the CDGL’s claims of making them model makeshift markets.
The vendors in the poor localities’ Sunday bazaars were still stilling selling their products by putting them on ground. No separate portion was arranged for female vendors in Islampura Sunday bazaar to sell their products despite the DCO announcement in this regard.
The price of chicken for Sunday bazaars was fixed at Rs 120 per kg while in different areas of the city it was sold for Rs 117 to Rs 120 per kg.
Vendors holding their vegetables carts were standing on the premises of the bazaars despite ban on entry of the carts to Sunday bazaars.In majority of Sunday bazaars quality of fruits and vegetables was poor. Vendors continued sale of mixed fruits and vegetables at A-grade price fixed by the market committee. In Shadman Sunday bazaar, shortage of potato was seen while in Johar Town bazaar onion was not available. In poor localities’ Sunday bazaars the vendors sold rotten fruits and vegetables by mixing them into low grade items. The vendors were also found overcharging.
The onion price for Sunday bazaars was fixed at Rs 16 to Rs 18 per kg. In the wholesale market its prices were from Rs 14 to Rs 16 per kg.
In Sunday bazaars, low grade onion was sold at Rs 18 per kg while, in Singhpura Mandi, it was sold for Rs 20 to Rs 24 per kg. In retail markets, onion was sold at Rs 24 to Rs 28 per kg showing that there was no official control on prices. The price of new potato in Sunday bazaars decreased by Rs 2 per kg and was fixed at Rs 26 to Rs 30 per kg from the last week’s price of Rs 28 to Rs 32 per kg. Wholesale price of potato was fixed at Rs 24 to Rs 28 per kg and retail price at Rs 28 to Rs 32 per kg whereas it was sold at Rs 30 to Rs 33 and Rs 35 to Rs 40 per kg respectively.
Price of stored potatoes reduced by Rs 2 per kg and was fixed at Rs 12 to Rs 15 per kg from the previous week’s price of Rs 14 to Rs 17 per kg.
Price of tomato was fixed at Rs 26 to Rs 30 per kg as compared to the last week’s price of Rs 36 to Rs 44 per kg registering a decline of Rs 10 to Rs 14 per kg. It was sold at the higher side of price at 30 per kg.
Price of garlic, China, was at Rs 26 to Rs 28 per kg and garlic, Desi, at Rs 14 to Rs 17 per kg.
Rate of ginger, China, was fixed at Rs 57 to Rs 60 per kg and ginger, Thai, at Rs 40 to Rs 45 per kg. Price of cucumber reduced by Rs 2 per kg from the last week’s price and was fixed at Rs 22 to Rs 26 per kg.
Price of peas gained Rs 8 per kg and was fixed at Rs 50 to Rs 60 per kg from the last week’s price of Rs 42 to Rs 52 per kg. Peas were sold for Rs 60 at Sunday bazaars and wholesale market.
Capsicum price increased by one to two rupees per kg and was fixed at Rs 32 to Rs 37 per kg. Green chilli price was fixed at Rs 20 to Rs 22 per kg.
Price of lemon, China, was fixed at Rs 14 to Rs 20 per kg. Price of cauliflower was fixed at Rs 22 to Rs 26 per kg as compared to its last week’s price of Rs 32 to Rs 42 per kg. However, it was sold at Rs 30 to Rs 35 per kg in Sunday bazaars as well as in the wholesale market.
Spinach price was fixed at Rs 9 to Rs 12 per kg after reduction of two to three rupees per kg in its last week’s price.
Carrot price was fixed at Rs 22 to Rs 27 per kg but it was sold at Rs 30 per kg in Sunday bazaars. Brinjal price was fixed at Rs 18 to Rs 20 per kg. Turnip price was fixed at Rs 12 to Rs 14 per kg but it was sold at Rs 15 per kg. Ladyfinger price was fixed at Rs 35 to Rs 42 per kg.
Price of different quality apples was fixed at Rs 19 to Rs 52 per kg from the last week’s price of Rs 15 to Rs 57 per kg. Price of banana was at Rs 10 to Rs 22 per dozen from the last week’s price of Rs 12 to Rs 32 per dozen. Banana in Sunday bazaars was sold at Rs 20 per dozen.
Price of pomegranate, Bedana, was at Rs 80 to Rs 100 per kg and pomegranate, Kandhari, at Rs 55 to Rs 60 per kg while vendors charged higher sides of their price. Rate of grapes ranged between Rs 72 and Rs 102 per kg. Price of guava was at Rs 22 to Rs 26 per kg. Grapefruit price was at Rs 5 to Rs 6 per piece and Mussami at Rs 24 to Rs 38 per dozen.

Model Sunday bazaars no different than others

Monday, November 10, 2008
By Jawwad Rizvi

LAHORE: NO improvement was seen so far in the condition of the Sunday bazaars despite the City District Government Lahore’s claims to make them model makeshift markets.

The CDGL had declared to make three Sunday bazaars, including Tajpura and Islampura, model ones a couple of weeks ago. The vendors in the poor localities’ Sunday bazaars were stilling selling their products by putting them on land. There was no check and balance by the food department on quality of flour. The authorities still did not take notice of the higher price of chicken meant than in the open market. The official price of chicken meant for Sunday bazaar was fixed at Rs 123 per kilogram while in different areas of the city it was being sold for Rs 118 to Rs 120 per kg.

Vendors were also selling vegetables on push-carts despite ban on entry of carts to these bazaars.

Quality of fruits and vegetables was still poor in some localities’ makeshift markets while the vendors continued sale of mixed fruits and vegetables at A-grade price.

In many Sunday bazaars the vendors sold rotten fruits and vegetables by mixing them in low grade items. The vendors were also found overcharging.

The district coordination officer (DCO) had announced a separate portion for female vendors in Islampura Sunday bazaar. But during the survey conducted by The News, there was no such portion.

Low buying was recorded this week in the makeshift markets as compared to the previous week. Price of onion increased this week by Rs 2 to Rs 3 per kg and was fixed at Rs 17 to Rs 21 per kg. In the open market, onion was sold at Rs 22 to Rs 25 per kg against the official price of Rs 18 to Rs 22 per kg. Price of new potato in Sunday bazaars reduced by Rs 2 to Rs 4 per kg and was fixed at Rs 28 to Rs 32 per kg.

Price of stored potatoes also decreased by Re 1 per kg and was fixed at Rs 14 to Rs 17 per. In the open market, price of new potato was fixed at Rs 30 to Rs 34 per kg but vendors sold them by mixing old potatoes at Rs 30 to Rs 35 per kg.

Price of tomato increased by Rs 8 to Rs 7 per kg and was fixed at Rs 36 to Rs 44 per kg from Rs 28 to Rs 37 per kg. In Sunday bazaars, it was sold at 40 to Rs 44 per kg.

Price of garlic, China, remained stable at Rs 27 to Rs 30 per kg and garlic, Desi, price was fixed at Rs 20 to Rs 24 per kg.

Rate of ginger, China, was fixed at Rs 57 to Rs 62 per kg from Rs 62 to Rs 64 per kg previous week’s price and ginger, Thai, price was fixed at Rs 37 to Rs 42 per kg.

Price of cucumber reduced by Rs 6 to Rs 10 per kg and was fixed at Rs 24 to Rs 28 per kg from the last week’s price of Rs 30 to Rs 40 per kg.

Price of peas reduced by Rs 10 per kg and was fixed at Rs 42 to Rs 52 per kg. Capsicum price remained stable at Rs 30 to Rs 36 per kg. Green chilli price reduced and it was fixed at Rs 22 to Rs 24 per kg from Rs 27 to Rs 32 per kg.

Price of lemon, China, was fixed at Rs 16 to Rs 24 per kg from Rs 14 to Rs 22 per kg. Price of cauliflower was from Rs 32 to Rs 42 per kg after registering an increase of Rs 2 to Rs 4 per kg from the last week’s price. Cabbage price was Rs 16 to Rs 18 per kg. Spinach price was fixed at Rs 12 to Rs 14 per kg after reduction of Re 1 per kg from last week’s price of Rs 12 to Rs 15 per kg.

Price of radish was from Rs 5 to Rs 7 per kg, carrot from Rs 20 to Rs 24 per kg, brinjal from Rs 20 to Rs 26 per kg and turnip from Rs 16 to Rs 20 per kg.

Price of ladyfinger was fixed at Rs 37 to Rs 44 per kg and biter gourd at Rs 52 to Rs 57 per kg. Pumpkin price was fixed at Rs 27 to Rs 32 per kg.

Price for different quality apples was fixed from Rs 15 to Rs 57 per kg. Most of the sale of apples was between Rs 35 to Rs 45 per kg in the makeshift markets.

Price of banana was from Rs 12 to Rs 32 per dozen from last week’s price of Rs 11 to Rs 24 per dozen while banana in Sunday bazaar was sold at Rs 25 to Rs 30 per dozen.

Price of pomegranate, Badana, was fixed at Rs 82 to Rs 102 per kg and pomegranate, Kandhari, at Rs 57 to Rs 72 per kg while vendors charged average Rs 100 and 70 per kg for both qualities respectively. Rate of grapes ranged between Rs 52 and Rs 122 per kilogram from its last week’s price of Rs 57 to Rs 122 per kg and its average price charged by vendors was Rs 80 per kg. Price of guava was Rs 17 to Rs 30 per kg. Rate of grapefruit was Rs 5 to Rs 7 per piece and mussami at Rs 26 to Rs 42 per dozen.

Adding a touch of grace to weddings

Monday, November 03, 2008

By Jawwad Rizvi

LAHORE: EVERYONE wishes for memorable wedding functions for his or her marriage and do their best to celebrate different events as these gatherings remain as sweet memories of life, which is often discussed in later years of married life.Starting from Mayoon, Mehndi to Wallima reception, every function has its own importance in a wedding. But, the arrival of Barat is very important for a bride and it matters for groom as well. In subcontinent, every groom arrives at the bride’s house full of pride and in his best manner to make this occasion memorable for the whole forthcoming life. The groom in this region comes in procession of family, relatives, and friends. They accompany the groom to the bride’s home for official wedding ceremony.No major change has been witnessed in arrival of Barat with the passage of time. A change in time is bringing gradual change in traditions and is replacing them with new norms, but the arrival of Barat is still according to the old traditions. The groom arrives with full pomp and show. Sometimes, they also showed off and do things, which are usually out of their capacity. In the present times, groom arrives in decorated luxury cars, which are usually rented. The groom makes his way to the bride’s home on a richly decorated horse or in a car and the Barat follows in different vehicles.However, richly decked horse drawn carriages known as Baghis are still common, which was also used by grooms in the past. The tradition of the grooms arriving at the bride’s house riding a horse is still alive in the villages of Punjab where it is considered prideful. Decorating a Baghgi and a groom’s car is also an art, which consumes large amounts of money. However, due to inflation, people usually do not spend much money on car and Baghis decorations. Those who can afford it, still arrange a Baghgi to go to the bride’s house. Arranging a special Baghgi for Barat costs the groom a large sum as the culture of a horse-drawn carriage has almost vanished from society. Thus, the people doing this business for special occasions charge a handsome amount for their services. The Baghgi providers charge for their services either in kilometres travelled or hours spent. However, mostly they charge in hours for their services. In Lahore, there are three major points where for hire Baghis are available, Scheme Morr, Taxali Gate and Ghaziabad. The people who run this business have kept special snow white horses. They also hire special decorators for decorating Baghis. The decoration of horses and Baghis take at least two hours. The people who decorate horses and Baghis also look after both in routine days. They wash the Baghis before a function and also give bath to horses as well. The charges of a Baghgi vary but the minimum charges are Rs 6000 for five to 10 kilometres distance. Usually, people hire Baghis for Barat and at Rukhsati, they returned in car. If someone wants to return back in a Baghgi, then the Baghis are booked on hourly basis. The minimum charges of booking of Baghis on hourly basis Rs 4000 per hour. The people providing Baghgi service said that they have to stay a minimum of four hours if they have to bring back the Barat on the Baghgi. In the meantime, they usually have at least another booking. They said that usually people book Baghis for one side trip only.The use of Baghis for reaching the bride’s home has lessened. Now, a groom usually uses luxury vehicles for this purpose. Decorating the groom car is also an art. The car decorators are seen in every locality of the city. The wedding car decoration charges start from Rs 800 and reach to Rs 5000. Spending money for decorating cars totally depend upon the groom’s pocket capacity as the decorated car is used only once. The car decorators use different type of decoration material, which are not costly, but the service charges is high. The car decorators usually charge for their service almost 300 to 400 times more than the decorating material costs. They use both fresh flowers as well as artificial flowers. Usually, they charge Rs 20 to Rs 30 for a piece of fresh rose for use in car decoration as compared to the market price of Rs 5 to Rs 10 per piece. The decorators knowing the fact that the groom’s family is not in bargaining mood, usually ask them to pay happily telling them they are going for wedding. Similarly, they charge Rs 500 to Rs 1000 for an ordinary bouquet market price of which is not more than Rs 400.
Social Feature was published in The News on November 03 2008 on Lahore City Pages.

Sunday bazaar shoppers complain about flour quality

Monday, November 03, 2008

By Jawwad Rizvi

LAHORE: FOLLOWING the start of new month, great rush of buyers was witnessed in all the Sunday bazaars this week as the salaried class did monthly or weekly buying.The prices of majority of vegetables in the makeshift markets registered an increasing trend despite their ample supply. Sale of flour was higher this week. A 20-kilogram flour bag in different Sunday bazaars was sold at Rs 415. Almost three truckloads of flour bags were seen at almost every Sunday bazaar. However, there were reports of poor quality of flour. At least three to four complaints were registered against the quality of flour in the complaint registers of almost every Sunday bazaar. Some of the complainants had mentioned that it seemed that sand was mix into flour. No complainant is accommodated at the Sunday bazaars if they bring back the substandard flour which they had purchased previous week.With the increase in trading activities, the numbers of complaints also increased regarding sale of substandard fruits and vegetables. Similarly, the incidents of overcharging also increased.In Shadman Sunday bazaar, the administration imposed Rs 2,000 fine on female vendors for overcharging and hiding the price cards issued by the market committee officials. These vendors had overcharged the customers on garlic, ginger and lemon. On the complaint of a buyer, the administration took this action.Upon another complaint about less weighing, the bazaar administration also confiscated weights from two vendors who were selling dry fruits, including fig and almond. Sugar was still missing in the makeshift markets. The price of chicken for Sunday bazaars was fixed at Rs 109 per kg while in different areas of the city it was sold at Rs 105 to Rs 110 per kg.The CDGL remained failed to improve the situation at majority of Sunday bazaars. Vendors still sell their products by putting them on ground. Similarly, vendors holding their vegetables carts were standing inside the premises of the bazaars. The management of the bazaars not asked them to go outside as vegetables and fruits carts were not allowed on the premises of Sunday bazaars.The vendors also continued sale of mixed fruits and vegetables at A-grade price fixed by the market committee.In many Sunday bazaars the vendors sold even rotten fruits and vegetables by mixing them into low grade items. They were also found selling low quality fruits and vegetables at higher rates. This week, price of onion remained stable. The official rate of onion in the wholesale market was at Rs 13 to Rs 16 per kg while its makeshift market rate was at Rs 15 to Rs 18 per kg. In the open market, onion was sold at 20 to Rs 22 per kg against official price of Rs 16 to Rs 19 per kg. The administration had not made the grading of onion thus the vendors sold it by mixing the different quality onion at Rs 18 per kg.The price of new potato in Sunday bazaars further increased and it was fixed at Rs 30 to Rs 36 per kg. Price of stored potatoes reduced by one rupee per kg and was fixed at Rs 14 to Rs 18 per kg from the previous week’s price of Rs 15 to Rs 19 per kg.In the open market, vendors sold potato at Rs 32 to Rs 40 per kg by mixing stored potato in the new potato against the officially fixed rate of Rs 32 to Rs 38 per kg.Price of tomato was fixed at Rs 28 to Rs 37 per kg. In Sunday bazaars tomato was sold at the highest rate of Rs 37 per kg. Price of garlic, China, remained stable at Rs 27 to Rs 30 per kg. Price of garlic, Desi, reduced by Rs 2 per kg and was fixed at Rs 20 to Rs 24 per kilogram from the last week’s price of Rs 20 to Rs 26 per kg.Rate of ginger, China, was fixed at Rs 62 to Rs 64 per kg from Rs 64 to Rs 66 per kg and ginger, Thai, price was fixed at Rs 37 to Rs 42 per kg from the last week’s price of Rs 45 to Rs 47 per kg. Price of cucumber reduced by Rs 12 per kg and was fixed at Rs 30 to Rs 40 per kg from Rs 42 to Rs 52 per kg. Price of peas reduced by Rs 20 per kg and was fixed at Rs 52 to Rs 62 per kg from the last week’s price of Rs 72 to Rs 82 per kg. Capsicum price reduced by Rs 2 per kg and was fixed at Rs 30 to Rs 36 per kg. Green chilli price was fixed at Rs 27 to Rs 32 per kg.Price of lemon, China, was fixed at Rs 14 to Rs 22 per kg from Rs 22 to Rs 32 per kg.Price of cauliflower was from Rs 30 to Rs 38 per kg and cabbage rate was from Rs 16 to Rs 18 per kg. Spinach price was fixed at Rs 12 to Rs 15 per kg. Price of radish was fixed at Rs 6 to Rs 8 per kg, carrot at Rs 20 to Rs 24 per kg, brinjal at Rs 26 to Rs 30 per kg and turnip at Rs 20 to Rs 22 per kg.Ladyfinger price was fixed at Rs 38 to Rs 44 per kg. Price of biter gourd was fixed at Rs 32 to Rs 37 per kg. Pumpkin price was fixed at Rs 27 to Rs 32 per kg. Price of arum was fixed at Rs 18 to Rs 22 per kg.Price of different quality apples was fixed at Rs 15 to Rs 57 per kg but their average sale price in the makeshift markets was at Rs 35 to Rs 45 per kg.Price of banana was from Rs 11 to Rs 24 per dozen from the last week’s price of Rs 12 to Rs 25 per dozen while banana in Sunday bazaar was sold at the highest rate of Rs 24 per dozen.Price of pomegranate ranged between Rs 82 and Rs 102 per kg from Rs 47 to Rs 112 per kg while vendors charged its average price Rs 100 per kg.Rates of grapes were from Rs 57 to Rs 122 per kg while their price was from Rs 52 to Rs 122 per kg last week and their average price charged by vendors was Rs 80 per kg. Price of guava was from Rs 17 to Rs 30 per kg.

Survey was publihsed on November 03 2008 in The News Lahore City pages