Kathmandu, March 15:  Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supply Lekharaj Bhatta has said those fomenting black-marketing taking advantage of the Covid-19 fear would face stringent action. However, market monitoring was intensified, he said at a programme organized on the occasion of the World Consumers' Rights Day today.    

"Even the consumers need to be aware of the situation. We need to stop blaming each other but work in cooperation to foil the black marketing and ensure consumers' rights," Minister Bhatta stressed, adding if the people from all sides become aware and work together, it helps promote fair marketing.    

On the occasion, Ministry secretary Chandra Kumar Ghimire viewed that government was committed to curbing price hike and black marketing.    

The World Consumers' Rights Day is marked every year on March 15. The UN General Assembly had declared the Day in 1985. Food safety, information about it, its selection and hearing of consumers' complaint are incorporated as main issues of consumers' rights.    

On this occasion, the Department of Supplies honoured various personalities for their contribution to the consumers' rights.