In the wake of a steep rise in the price of onion, the state government has decided to sell onion at Rs.50 per kg at 49 government-run outlets in the city and on its outskirts. Soon, onions at fair price will be made available in the district markets.
The decision was taken at a meeting held by state agriculture marketing minister Arup Roy with the traders. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had directed traders to crack down on illegal hoarders. She also asked the task force to visit markets to ensure that people are not charged exorbitantly.
Roy said that one would be able to buy 500g packet of onion at the cost of Rs.25 per day from the government outlets.
The procedure of selling onions at fixed rate from earmarked stalls will continue till prices ease. Of the 49 outlets, 24 stalls are run by agriculture marketing department and the remaining by horticulture department.