Dehradun’s ongoing issue with overpricing in liquor shops came under scrutiny as District Magistrate Savin Bansal conducted a surprise inspection in the city on Wednesday night. The inspection was aimed at curbing the unlawful practice of selling alcohol above its designated price, which has been a persistent problem in the area. Bansal, known for his hands-on approach, took it upon himself to visit liquor outlets on Old Mussoorie Road and Rajpur Road in Dehradun to catch offenders in the act.
Disguising himself as a regular customer, the DM approached a liquor shop where the employees were unaware of his true identity. The store clerk sold a bottle of liquor to Bansal for ₹680, a clear violation as the actual price of the bottle was ₹660. This minor overcharge of ₹20 led to immediate action, sparking a commotion in the shop when Bansal revealed his identity. A hefty fine of ₹50,000 was issued against the shop for overpricing. This inspection also revealed other irregularities, including improper display of price lists and failure to adhere to shop opening and closing times.
Findings from the Inspection
The surprise inspection uncovered several lapses in compliance with regulations. For one, the rate list showing the price of alcohol was not posted in a visible location, preventing customers from knowing the correct prices. Furthermore, the shop’s operating hours were not displayed, adding to the confusion for buyers. Another violation noted was that the liquor shop employees lacked proper identification, a key requirement for operating such businesses.
This incident is just one of many steps taken by DM Bansal to enforce regulations in Dehradun, particularly when it comes to consumer rights and the legal conduct of businesses. His active efforts to ensure transparency and compliance have positioned him as a no-nonsense administrator determined to correct systemic issues.
A District Magistrate with a Proactive Approach
Since taking over as the District Magistrate of Dehradun, IAS officer Savin Bansal has made headlines for his proactive and aggressive style of governance. His recent actions, such as the surprise inspection at the liquor shops, show his dedication to maintaining law and order in the city. This isn’t the first time Bansal has personally inspected public facilities. Just recently, he visited a government hospital in Dehradun under the guise of a regular citizen, allowing him to observe the disorder and chaos firsthand. Upon witnessing the substandard conditions, Bansal immediately instructed hospital officials to improve the situation, demonstrating his commitment to improving public services in the city.
Tackling Traffic and Urban Issues
Beyond the realm of health and business regulations, DM Bansal has also been actively involved in addressing the growing traffic problem in Dehradun. In a highly visible instance, Bansal took to the streets on a motorcycle, with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Singh as his pillion rider. Together, they rode through key areas of the city, including Rajpur Road, Ghantaghar, Paltan Bazaar, and Ballupur Chowk, covering approximately 10 kilometers. This inspection allowed Bansal to gain firsthand insight into the worsening traffic conditions and assess the necessary steps to ease congestion in the city.
DM Bansal’s Broader Vision for Dehradun
DM Bansal’s efforts reflect a larger mission to bring transparency, efficiency, and order to Dehradun’s public administration. His hands-on approach, be it inspecting hospitals, addressing liquor shop violations, or tackling traffic issues, signals his commitment to improving the lives of residents and holding businesses accountable. For him, small infractions like overpricing alcohol are symptomatic of deeper issues that need to be corrected to foster trust between the authorities and the public.
As Bansal continues his tenure as District Magistrate, it is clear that his leadership is characterized by a no-nonsense attitude toward governance, ensuring that both public and private entities adhere to the law. Whether it is ensuring proper conduct in hospitals or preventing unfair pricing at liquor shops, DM Bansal is determined to uphold transparency and accountability in Dehradun.
Conclusion
District Magistrate Savin Bansal’s surprise inspection of liquor shops in Dehradun serves as a reminder that the government is watching and will not tolerate violations of public trust. His recent actions, including addressing overpricing and improving city infrastructure, highlight his dedication to ensuring that rules are followed, and residents’ rights are protected. Through these efforts, Bansal is working to create a more transparent and efficient administrative system in Dehradun, aiming for long-term improvements that benefit both businesses and citizens alike.
