Onion Price Rise: Odisha Minister Says Steps After Talks With Centre

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government is exploring all possible measures to provide respite to people who are facing problems due to the steep rise in onion prices. Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Ranendra Pratap Swain on Thursday informed that the department secretary has left for New Delhi for talks with the Union Ministry over the onion crisis.

Responding to media queries whether Odisha will supply onions at subsidized rates through its fair price shops, as done several times in the past, the minister said that a policy of wait and watch has been adopted and all decisions will be taken based on the quality of onions.

“There will be resentment among people if the quality of onions is not satisfactory. We will take a conscious decision as we do not want to be penny wise, pound foolish,” said Swain.

Swain further stated that all the civil supplies officers have been directed to review the situation arising out of the spurt in onion prices. Besides, the officers have been asked to keep a check and ensure that there is no black-marketing and hoarding of the essential commodity, he said.