KATHMANDU: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has intensified nationwide market inspections and on Monday took action against nine industries and businesses in Kathmandu and Lalitpur.
Responding to past criticism for carrying out inspections only during festivals, the Department has recently expanded routine monitoring in coordination with local administrations and relevant agencies.
According to a press release, UFO Patan in Kumaripati, Lalitpur-15, and Regmi Bag Industry in Chamati, Kathmandu-15, were each fined Rs 20,000. The Department said the firms were penalized for violating Section 15 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2075, which requires businesses to maintain proper invoices and purchase records.
Action was also taken against Yogendra Sari Bhandar for similar violations. Under Section 39(1) of the Act, authorities may impose fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 when offences are confirmed during inspection, investigation, or search.
Meanwhile, Mansarovar Enterprises and Rabi Shankar Store have been instructed to appear before the Department within three days with relevant business documents. The Department also issued general directives to five other firms following the inspections.
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