Delhi govt requests the Centre to supply five truck loads of onion daily

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES
GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI

New Delhi: 24/09/2019

Delhi govt requests the Centre to supply five truck loads of onion daily to check price-rise
·         Food & Civil Supplies Minister Imran Hussain reviews the retail onion prices situation in Delhi
·         Chief Secretary directs officers to expedite the process of providing onions to Delhiites at affordable prices  
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Mr Imran Hussain on Tuesday held a high level meeting with the Chief Secretary of Delhi, Commissioner Food and Supplies, Vice Chairman (DAMB), Special Secretary (Finance), Special Secretary (Planning) and senior officers of the Revenue Department, DSCSC and the Development Department to review the rising prices of onion and steps being taken by the Delhi government for procurement and distributing of onion at affordable prices for residents of Delhi.
Chief Secretary Mr Vijay Dev, who is the Chairman of Price Stabilization Fund Management Committee (PSFMC), constituted by the Delhi government to suggest market intervention for checking the prices of essential commodities informed that significant  steps have being taken to effectively and timely deal with the situation of  retail prices of onion.
Delhi Government is shortly going to sell onion at highly subsidized rate of Rs 23.90 per kg from its 390 Fair Price Shops and 80 Mobile Vans.  DSCSC informed that it has already floated a short term tender for shortlisting transporters for transporting onion from NAFED godowns to Fair Price Shops and for sale of onion through Mobile Vans in various parts of Delhi. The tender is likely to be finalized by 4th October 2019.
The Chief Secretary, however stressed that time is of essence in the current situation, the selection process of transporters must be completed by all means and distribution of onions  started  by Saturday, the 28th September so that much needed relief and succour to the people of Delhi reeling under the soaring prices of onion can be provided.
The Food commissioner informed that the Delhi Government has already requested Central Government to start supplying five truck loads of onion daily through NAFED. This supply can be further increased depending upon the requirement of onion in Delhi.
The Chief Secretary directed the Market Intelligence Cell of the Food Department to increase vigil and keep close watch on the retail price movement of onion during next 15-20 days. During this period the policy of the Government will be ‘Watch, View and Review’ where prices of onion will be closely watched, onion price and availability position will be strictly viewed and action and measures would be continuously reviewed and fine-tuned for effective tackling of the situation.
There is need to keep an intense watch on the prices of onion in various local markets within Delhi and review prices at different times within a day also. The Chief Secretary directed Commissioner (F&S) to study the best practices being adopted by various other States for curbing onion prices. Rising onion prices is national phenomenon and effective implementation of good practices in Delhi should be done immediately.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
Commissioner, Food and Civil Supplies and the Development Department were directed to increase enforcement action against hoarders,  black-marketers and profiteers of onion by regular inspections of Mandis, markets, godowns etc.
Mr Imran Hussain informed that there is no need for panic, since the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure regular supply and availability of onion at affordable rates. Government will also take strict enforcement action against black-marketers, hoarders and profiteers.