Lumbini provincial government has decided to intensify market monitoring and increase surveillance of public transport to prevent consumer exploitation during the upcoming festival season. The decision was made during a meeting of the Market Regulation and Competition Promotion Council, chaired by Minister for Internal Affairs, Law, Industry and Transport Bhandarilal Ahir.
Ministry secretary Bharatmani Pandey stated that regular market inspections will be conducted during Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festivals through the Office of Cottage and Small Industries. The inspection teams will include representatives from the local administration, police, local levels, the Office of Food Technology and Quality Control, and consumer rights forums. They will monitor the supply, pricing and quality of daily essential goods.
To address issues in the transport sector, the District Traffic Police Office will monitor vehicles to ensure they do not charge fares above the prescribed rates or carry passengers beyond seating capacity. Passenger assistance desks will be established in high-traffic areas. The council has also requested all district administration offices and local levels to implement systems such as QR codes, toll-free numbers and hotlines to collect and address consumer complaints promptly.
The meeting further decided to draft regulations and procedures for the implementation of the Market Regulation and Competition Promotion Act, 2077. Authorities have been instructed to raise awareness regarding consumer rights and the importance of fair trade practices through information materials.
