NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday reviewed the prices of essential commodities, including onions, potatoes and tomatoes, here and asked the city administration to step up awareness drive to inform people about the current prices.
Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and Delhi Chief Secretary S K Srivastava briefed the Home Minister on the massive crack down on the hoarders initiated by the city administration, which has so far raided 1,082 premises and prosecuted 150 traders. It has also confiscated more than 18,000 quintal of essential commodities stored illegally.
Jung informed Rajnath that strict vigil has been maintained on the distribution of essential commodities through fair price shops. In the past three months, the city administration has inspected 789 fair price shops, penalised 143 of them and lodged cases against 45 shop licensees and transporters.
Rajnath has directed him to intensify and continue the enforcement drive.
Jung also told the minister that steps were taken to sell onions and potatoes in more than 200 locations through mobile vans at `20 per kg and `18 per kg, respectively. Besides this, the administration has arranged for the sale of onions and potatoes at same rates in 40 government premises, which will be increased to 300 in the coming days.
The LG also apprised Rajnath that the national capital didn’t face any shortage of onions and potatoes.