Khotang. With the Dashain, Tihar, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals approaching, the main commercial hub of the district, the movement of people has increased at Diktel bazaar. The movement of people shopping for daily essentials and entering the district from the city has increased from morning till late night.

According to Rajan Prasad Acharya, president of the Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, economic transaction worth Rs 50 to 6 million is seen in the district every day. “We have urged all traders to sell goods at the fixed rate and give discounts to the customers as much as possible. Traders are also selling goods at a reasonable price rather than making a big profit,” he said, adding, “The Diktel bazaar, which was deserted until a few days ago, has seen a huge influx of customers for the last two days.” This has led to a good turnover of businessmen. ’

According to traders, the price of chicken has increased as egg production is low in the district. Similarly, the price of edible oil has also increased while other consumer goods are being sold at a fair price, according to the Chamber of Commerce.

Traders say that there has been a lot ÷of improvement in business this year compared to last year. According to them, the sale of goods consumed during the festival has increased and the business has increased due to the arrival of consumers from rural areas. Local consumers have also experienced the variety of goods and ease of supply in the market as Dashain approaches. However, some have complained that the prices of some items such as eggs and oil have gone up.

The stakeholders in the district have stressed the need of paying more attention to market management, price control and consumer safety during the festivals. The concerned bodies have urged the government to pay attention to the sale of date-expired non-food items in the shops operating in the rural areas.

According to the District Administration Office, monitoring and security arrangements have been made to control the possible black marketing during the festivals. All the ten local levels of the district are monitoring the haat bazaars and shops being operated in their respective areas.

KATHMANDU: The Food Management and Trade Company Limited branch office has also opened fair price shops in three places of the district targeting the festivals. The Food Management and Trading Company has brought into operation the fair price rice shops in Diktel Bazaar, Aiselukharka and Khotehang rural municipalities in view of the festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Nepal Sambat and Chhath.

According to Sujan Babu Acharya, chief of the Food Management and Trade Company Limited, the fair price shops will be open till October 26. The distribution of rice has started at a cheaper price from the office and goam of the Food Management and Trade Company in Diktelbazar, the main trade hub of the district, the depot office at Aiselukharka and the depot office at Khotehang rural municipality.