While traders in Bara and Parsa districts have accused the government authorities of intimidating them in the name of market monitoring, the regulatory authorities say it’s their duty to intensify surveillance to safeguard consumers’ interest during the festival season.

The agitated traders expressed their frustration during the opening ceremony of the second general meeting of the Prasauni Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bara on Wednesday, October 2.

Anil Kumar Agrawal, Chairman of the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce & Industries, accused market monitoring agencies of unfairly targeting the legitimate businesses. 

“While efforts to curb illegal trade are necessary, harassment of law-abiding traders cannot be tolerated,” said Agrawal. “Imposing hefty fines on legitimate businesses for minor shortcomings is unfair.” 

Mohan Sharma, Chairman of the Jeetpur-Simara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, seconded Agrawal, claiming that excessive monitoring has forced some traders to shut down their businesses.

“The monitoring teams in Jeetpur, Simara, Kalaiya, Simraungadh, and Kolhabi in Bara have been threatening traders to slap fines as high as Rs 300,000,” said Sharma. 

The traders claimed that authorities’ actions will negatively impact the economy at a time when businesses are already struggling to remain afloat.

However, Shashidhar Ghimire, the Chief District Officer (CDO) of Bara, rejected the allegations, stressing the need for market monitoring, especially during the festival season. Ghimire claimed that the monitoring officials have been instructed to carry out the surveillance in a civilised manner. 

“However, how can we allow traders to sell expired goods or hike prices?” questioned Ghimire, adding, “Business owners have no right to complain when we ask them not to sell substandard products.”

"The administration is always open to hear the concerns of traders,” Ghimire said.