Telangana government keeps shops on raid radar
Special teams have been formed to carry inspections and to interact with consumers.
Hyderabad: The state government has alerted the legal metrology department to exploitation by shopkeepers in the name of GST, and has asked for special teams to conduct raids on shops and commercial establishments to check overpricing.
The department, a part of the civil supplies depar-tment, will take complaints of overpricing on its hotline 1800-425-00333 between 10.30 am and 5 pm.
Due to the shortage of staff in the legal metrology department, it was decided to engage the services of officials and staff in the civil supplies department to check irregularities in implementation of taxes under the GST regime.
Civil supplies commissioner C.V. Anand warned traders resorting to irregularities of severe action under the Legal Metrology Act and Package Commodities Rules, 2011. Under this, the offenders can be fined and could have their premises seized.
“We have launched a toll-free number 1800-425-00333 to enable consumers to lodge complaints on GST violations. The department will inquire into these complaints and stringent action will be initiated against offenders as per provisions in existing Acts,” Mr Anand added.
Special teams have been formed to carry inspections and to interact with consumers. Around 250 staff who were working with commercial taxes check posts were relieved with the closure of check posts following GST from July 1. Mobile teams are being utilised for inspections and raids.