Delhi government issues circular to end salt shortage rumours

The Delhi Government released a circular on 12 November, describing measures to be taken immediately by officers in Food Supplies and Consumer Affairs to end rumours of salt shortage.

Union Food and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has asserted that there is absolutely no shortage of salt and that the prices are still the same.

"State government must track down those people trying to sell salt for Rs 200 a kilo. This is just wrong. There is no shortage of salt, sugar, rice, wheat or even pulses for that matter," Paswan said.

"All Food Supply officers and Legal Metrological officers should remain present in their circles/zones and visit shops in their respective areas in a team as constituted and to prevent incidence of selling salt on more than the Maximum Retail Price(MRP) printed on the pack," said in the statement.

The circular asked food supply officers to ensure prosecution of defaulters on the spot.

"All such cases should immediately be reported to the Assistant Commissioner (Enforcement) of F&S Department and Assistant Commissioner, W&M Department at Control Room 011-23370841," statement added.

A rumour of salt shortage which originated in Uttar Pradesh, triggered panic among citizens on Friday night, as a mad rush was seen at grocery stores where people were seeing leaving with several bags of salt.

In Moradabad district of Uttar Pradesh, there were reports of panicked customers flocking to market as rumours flew thick and fast.

Kicking into action, the state police detained a person in Rampur for spreading rumours.

In the national capital, tension prevailed in Jamia Nagar area as residents pelted stones at police buses amid rumours of shortage of salt and a hike in prices of essential commodities.

-ANI