In view spiraling prices, 10 Suvidha Kendras were opened in Jamshedpur today for selling onions at a subsidized rate. Special officer

(Rationing) Naveen Kumar said that the Suvidha Kendras were opened following a directive from Ranchi directorate. The centres would continue to function till the rates come down.

The Suvidha Kendras which opened in different  localities  including Mango, Jugsalai, Kadma, Sonari , Birsanagar and Baridih were selling the staple at Rs 60 per kilo. In retail market onions were sold between Rs 70-75 for the third consecutive day today.

 State Food and Civil Supplies Minister Saryu Roy har directed the departmental secretary to initiate immediate steps to curb the spiraling onion prices in the State.

The Minister asked the departmental secretary to monitor morning and evening wholesale and retail prices of onions through figures procured from Krishi Utpadan Bazaar Samitis in all districts of the State. 

Roy instructed that the difference between wholesale and retail prices of onions should not exceed Rs 5 per kilogram. The secretary should take note of the difference in retail prices and ensure proper flow of the vegetable in all district markets of Jharkhand. The Minister maid special stress on collecting data of procurement price of onions and the sale prices of the vegetable in Nasik and other areas of Maharashtra.

In a press communiqué issued today, Saryu Roy stated that although Model Code of Conduct was in force and there were limitations in the functioning of Ministers, but it was imperative for the government to use the administrative machinery to curb spiraling prices.

He referred to the step taken during the price rise of onions in the recent past when there was a huge difference between the wholesale and retail prices; the establishment of Suvidha Kendras eased the prices for the general consumers.

Roy also mentioned that administrative officials were legally empowered to control prices of commodities and they should use such powers for public benefit. No one had the right to earn more as a result of rising prices, the Minister contended.

Onion is an essential commodity in the kitchen. With the rise in prices of vegetables in general, the continuous hike in onion prices is hitting the common man very hard.  

Buyers in markets across the country said that they are looking for ways to cut down on onion consumption.