October 29: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection (DoCSCP) has fined a trader located in Kesadiya road of Biratnagar Metropolitan City for selling sugar in the packet of rice without putting any label. A joint inspection team slapped a fine of Rs 200,000 when the team found seventeen sacks of sugar in the packet of rice. Of them, two sacks of sugar were being sold. 

Santosh Pokhrel, head of the DOCSCP, Biratnagar Office said a trader named Rahul Kumar Shah has been fined for inappropriate business activities. It was found that the trader imported most of the items from Indian market and did not have any VAT bill. 

Likewise, Bishnu Sweets located in Itahari has been fined Rs 20,000 for selling rotten sweets. 

Pokhrel said that the department has instructed to clean the kitchen area of Gorkha Kitchen located above the Gorkha Department Store. Natraj Sweet and Chaat House of Itahari has also been instructed to improve on the cleanliness front. 

Government officials have stepped up market monitoring for the festive season. However, consumer rights groups complain that malpractices are taking place unabetted.