KATHMANDU: Minister for Supplies Deepak Bohara said the government was planning to amend market laws with stricter provisions so as to control black marketing and adulteration.

Speaking with journalists in Kathmandu today, those involved in adulteration would be jailed for five to 20 years.

"The amendment process has already begun. We will shortly table a new bill at the House," Bohara said.

Meanwhile, the Minister assured that the government had of late speeded up market monitoring in the run-up to the great festivals including Dashain and Tihar.

He also added that the government would not let the price of daily essentials increase in the festive season.

"The government has launched a strict campaign about it and has delivered enough instructions," he said, "There will not be any price hike in Dashain and Tihar."

The Minister said traders had also supported the government for smooth and fair market system this time.

In a different context, Minister Bohara said the government was preparing to hold local, provincial and federal elections by January 2018 as the polls would be a must to ensure Constitution implementation.