Telangana: Onions now essential commodity

Hyderabad: The state government on Friday brought onions within the purview of stockholding limits under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to check abnormal increase in prices in future. Now, traders must obtain a licence from the state government to trade in onions, and cannot stock more than a prescribed quantum. They can be fined and prosecuted if they violate norms. The price of onions will be fixed the government. The licensee should not sell onions at a price higher than the maximum price fixed the Centre or the state government.

The government, with the prior approval of Centre, can issue orders to make onions available at lower prices. Stock limit provisions exist for various foodgrains and cereals under the Act.  The government has specified the quantum of onions that traders in different areas of the state and supermarket chains can hold.