Kathmandu. Almost all the major markets in the Kathmandu Valley are now crowded with shoppers.

The number of people buying clothes and other necessities is increasing especially in Bhotahiti, Thamel, Asan, Indrachowk, Jamal, Bishal Bazaar, Sundhara, Khichapokhari, New Road, Bagbazaar, Dilli Bazaar, Baneshwor and Putalisadak, among other places in view of the approaching Dashain festival.

Consumers speculate that the prices of clothes, especially in the market, may have increased compared to the previous year due to the closure of two border points towards neighboring China following the Bhotekoshi floods on August 26. However, consumers have complained that the prices of daily essentials and food items have also increased significantly in recent times.

Shalik Chandra Sharma, a resident of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-32, complained that it has become difficult to celebrate the festival with the rise in inflation. “The price of jeera fine rice has increased by Rs 300 per sack,” he said, adding that the price of goat meat has increased by Rs 300 to Rs 400 per kg. It has become difficult for low-income people to celebrate Dashain. ”

Not only Shalikchandra, but Smita Khatri of Tinkune is also thinking of changing a pair of new clothes for her family members this Dashain. However, despite the increase in the price of clothes, Janten said that he has already bought new clothes for his three children. “I have to change my clothes during Dashain,” he said, “For those with limited income, Dashain is like Dasha. ”

Common consumers say that the issue of celebrating Dashain is very difficult for those who have less sources of income. Madhav Timalsina, president of the Consumer Rights Research Forum, said that the prices of foodstuffs, clothes and other essential items have increased significantly this Dashain. “The prices of all kinds of food items have increased in the market,” he said, “Now the prices of fresh vegetables, fruits and meat products have skyrocketed.” ”

Chairman Timilsina said that the government mechanism should move forward to control the price hike by regularly monitoring the market. “It is necessary for the government to regulate the supply chain and intervene to control the price rise,” he said.

General Secretary of Nepal Himalayan Cross-Border Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ram Chandra Parajuli, said transportation of goods and goods has been difficult due to disruption at the transit points at Rasuwa and Tatopani which are the main lifelines linking with China.

“Trade has also badly affected due to the obstruction of the transit points with China”, he said, adding, “Goods worth around five billion worth of goods brought from China targeting the Dashain and other festivals have been stranded at the checkpoint”.

Ritesh Kumar Shakya, Director General of the Department of Commerce Supplies and Consumer Protection, said that the department has been intensifying monitoring targeting the festivals. He said, “At present, we are monitoring 25 to 50 different firms and companies daily. We are also bringing traders and businessmen who charge more than the maximum retail price under the necessary legal ambit. ”

Director General Shakya has urged all to sell and distribute any goods and goods as per the fixed price.