Irregularities in sale of subsidised red onions

Subsidized red onions being supplied by the state government has brought great relief to the poor in the wake of skyrocketing prices in the open market.

But apart from the poor ,even some government employees and members of financially sound families are seen queuing up in front of the sales counters for subsidized red onions.

State government is reportedly bearing Rs 29 subsidy amount on each kg red onions which it purchases for Rs 46 per kg from wholesale Lasalgaom market in Nashik in bordering Maharashtra and incurs Rs 3 transport charges per kg. But, it supplies 2 kg of those onions for Rs 20 k per kg to each family.

It is learnt that state government is purchasing huge quantities of red onions from Lasalgaom market for all the districts in the state.

Nearly 230 quintals of subsidized red onion have been distributed to customers on showing Aaadhar card, ration card or any other proof in the last 20 days at Adilabad Rythu Bazar alone.

Long queues were seen in front of the selling counter at Rythu Bazars for subsidized red onions being supplied through marketing department.

Incharge Estate officer of Adilabad Rythu Bazar Jaisheelan said there was good demand for subsidized red onions as the white onions are being sold at Rs 50 -60 per kg in the open market.

There are strong allegations that some of the officials in marketing department are diverting the subsidized red onions to black market and hotels and restaurants due to lack of checks by top officials and that they are not maintaining the details of the sales and customers.

As many as102 tones and 80 kg red onions have been allotted to the Adilabad district so far from August5 and among them 82 tones and 86 kg have been sold till now.

Assistant Director of Marketing T. Srinivas said the state government is bearing nearly Rs 29 on each kg red onions and added that two or more members of the same family are taking subsidized onions with their individual Aaadhar cards and opined that it would be good if ration card is made as identity proof to check this.