BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 12th December 2023: The escalating prices of daily essentials, including onions, continue to pose a challenge for consumers in the market ahead of the Durga Puja festivities. Despite regular market raids by the administration, the cost of basic necessities remains uncontrolled, prompting enforcement actions.
In the latest move, the enforcement team of Sadar sub-division administration conducted a raid at Maharajganj market in the capital on Tuesday. During the operation, officials took action by sealing a government fair price shop and an onion wholesale shop.
Food Controller of Sadar Division, Pradip Kumar Bhowmik, reported a shortage of 34 quintals of rice at Government Fair Price Shop No. 29 at the beginning of the campaign. Consequently, the shop was promptly sealed, and the SDM will be informed for further legal action. Following the closure of the government fair price shop, the enforcement team turned its attention to an onion shop where onions were being sold at an exorbitant price of Rs 58 per kg. The shopkeeper claimed to have purchased the onions at a high cost due to a previous raid on the supplier. However, upon inspection, discrepancies in the shop’s onion stock were found, leading to the sealing of the shop. The matter will be brought to the Sub-Divisional Ruler’s attention for appropriate action.
In a surprising revelation during another shop raid, a shopkeeper alleged that onions were being smuggled to Bangladesh, justifying the soaring prices. This claim will also be investigated, and the information will be presented to the SDM for necessary actions.
Despite the ongoing efforts of the administration, the market challenges persist, leaving consumers grappling with the impact of rising prices on essential commodities just ahead of the festive season. Authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of curbing inflation and ensuring fair pricing for consumers.
