Horticulture Dept Bans Secret Bidding, Warns of Licence Cancellation | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered an immediate halt to covert and non-transparent auctioning in fruit and vegetable markets across the Union Territory, cautioning traders and commission agents that such practices will invite strict legal action, including licence cancellation.

In a circular issued on Saturday, the Directorate of Horticulture Planning and Marketing said it has received several complaints and social media reports indicating that horticultural produce is being auctioned secretly and in violation of prescribed procedures. The department noted that these actions breach the rules governing market operations.

The order further stated that fruit and vegetable markets have been set up across the UT to provide growers and traders with fair, regulated marketing platforms, where every transaction must follow transparent, open-auction mechanisms. Any departure from these norms, it warned, compromises accountability and undermines the integrity of the system.

All stakeholders have been directed to immediately stop any form of clandestine auctioning and ensure that only open, lawful and transparent auction procedures are followed.

The circular further cautioned that any trader, individual or commission agent found engaging in or aiding such concealed practices will face punitive measures, including instant cancellation of their operating licences and any other penalties applicable under law.

Officials, fruit growers’ bodies and market functionaries have been instructed to enforce the order strictly.

The directive, issued by Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing has been circulated to senior officers and fruit associations across Jammu and Kashmir for prompt implementation.