Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government takes big action to tackle onion and sugar price surge
Under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's leadership, the Delhi government has moved to rein in rising onion and sugar prices, directing officials to ensure adequate supplies and prevent consumers from facing an undue price burden. The move comes as the country steps into the festive season, which will run through November this year -- the longest in three years, and at a time when the national capital has witnessed a sharp rise in onion and sugar prices.
The 88 days are seen as a rush period across markets, with consumers flocking to make their annual discretionary purchases. The season usually sees higher activity across markets.
CM Gupta's administration is preparing to procure onions from the the food cooperative, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), and make them available at lower prices, if required, while closely tracking retail sugar prices closely. The government has warned of stringent action against hoarders and black-marketers.
The decisions were taken at an emergency meeting on Tuesday, chaired by Gupta, with the UT's Food and Supplies Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, along with other senior officials.
Delhi government's action plan against soaring sugar and onion rates
The UT government has decided to step up preparations to shield households from a sharp rise in the prices of essential kitchen staples during the upcoming festive season, with a focus on ensuring onions and ssugar areavailable in adequate quantities
Officials will also ensure that any artificial scarcity created by hoarding does not impose a further burden on consumers.
The Delhi government has asked the department to prepare a detailed plan for intervention if retail prices continue to rise.
A key part of the plan is procuring onions from NAFED. The government may bring NAFED-sourced onions to the national capital and distribute them through localised camps and other identified points at lower rates.
Delhi is expected to cover transportation and operational costs to make the commodity available to consumers at affordable prices.
The Centre has also begun dispatching onions from its buffer stock through the 'Kanda Express' to Delhi and other high-price centres in an attempt to improve supplies and moderate prices.
The Delhi government has made it clear that it will not allow black marketing or excessive stocking of onions and sugar.
Authorities will keep a close watch on wholesale markets, supply chains, and stock levels, and raids may carry out raids against traders found indulging in hoarding.
In the case of sugar, action will be taken against entities holding stocks beyond prescribed limits.
