In view of abrupt hike in the prices of potato and onions in the market, Tripura Government has taken a tough stance against the unscrupulous traders and hoarders.
Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb clearly mentioned that State Government would not allow black marketing to continue. Deb also said, some unscrupulous traders have abruptly pushed the prices of potato and onions up in the market.
In this connection, the Chief Minister referred to the ‘Chief Minister Covid Special Relief Package for 7 lakh that included 3 kg potato and 2 kg onions along with other food items. Those who have not received the Food packet under the Relief Package, it would reach to them soon. However, in view of rising prices of potato and onions in the local markets, the Government has decided to transfer the amount to beneficiaries account through DBT, the Chief Minister wrote in his social media post and clearly mentioned that the step has been taken to teach the hoarders and black marketers a lesson.
Secretary to the Government of Tripura, Tanushree Debbarma issued a memorandum to DMs of all the eight districts t this end.
According to the memorandum, “It is being observed that prices of potato and onion have begun rising in the market due to unscrupulous activities of some traders etc,. DM & Collectors and SDMs are directed to take enforcement measures to prevent such artificial price rise.”
“In view of the increase of prices of potato and onion in the market, it has been decided that the amount meant for potato and onion should be transferred to the account of the beneficiaries (DOT) centrally by the Food Department in place of supply in kind,” the notification said.
“In the background of such artificial price rise taking place in the market, it has been further decided that, besides the limited quantities that may have been already supplied, potato and onion should not be procured and distributed under the CM Covid Special Relief Package,” the notification read.
