Govt Sells Subsidised Onions at Rs 35 Per Kg Across Delhi Outlets, Including Rohini
The central government on Thursday began selling onions from its buffer stock at a subsidised rate of Rs 35 per kg across 40 outlets in Delhi, including locations in Rohini, to provide relief to consumers facing surging market rates. The intervention offers onions at more than 40 percent below the prevailing retail price of approximately Rs 62 per kg.
Union Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare flagged off mobile trucks loaded with onions to initiate the distribution drive. Speaking at the launch, Khare stated that the recent surge in onion prices was driven primarily by hoarding and profiteering rather than a shortage. She assured that domestic buffer stocks remain sufficient to meet public demand throughout the ongoing festive season.
According to the Department of Consumer Affairs, the subsidised onions are being distributed across several designated spots in the capital. The identified areas include Rohini, Shalimar Bagh, Shahbad, Narela, Alipur, Tikri Border, Bawana JJ Colony, Bhajanpura, NCUI Complex, CR Park, Ashram, Kidwai Nagar, INA Market, and Delhi Cantonment.
Agencies including the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) are managing the supply chain. Khare noted that substantial stocks held by NCCF and NAFED are being transported into the capital by train and subsequently distributed across neighbourhoods using delivery trucks.
NAFED Managing Director Deepak Agrawal confirmed that the agency is deploying supply units to ensure consistent availability at the 40 designated locations at the fixed price of Rs 35 per kg. Agrawal added that discussions are currently underway with the Delhi government to expand distribution by selling subsidised onions through fair price ration shops across the city.
Officials indicated that following the rollout in Delhi, the subsidised sale initiative will be extended to other major cities across the country, including Lucknow, Patna, Amritsar, Kolkata, and Chandigarh, to stabilise regional prices.
