UT to provide onions at ‘no profit, no loss’

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 1

While soaring prices of onion are bringing tears to the eyes of consumers, the UT Administration has decided to provide the vegetable at a cheaper rate.

Punjab Governor and UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore today directed UT Adviser Manoj Kumar Parida to ensure onion was sold at ‘no profit, no loss basis’. 

Parida further directed officials of the Department of Food & Supplies and Consumers Affairs and other departments to make arrangements for setting up stalls to sell onion at low price.

When contacted, the UT Adviser said besides holding stalls, the Administration would also start conducting raids to catch onion hoarders.  He said teams would soon be formed to conduct raids. The Administration will provide onions at low rates till the price of the essential commodity reduces in the open market.

The Administration had earlier started a similar initiative last month when the price of onion had gone through the roof. Then, stalls were set up at Mauli Jagran, Dhanas, Maloya, Ram Darbar and Mani Majra community centres.

The SDMs, food supply inspector, mandi supervisor and marketing supervisor have been directed to check hoarding of onion in the city. The direction has also been issued to maintain a record of arrival of onions and their retail and wholesale rates.