Delhi government sets up teams to check sale of salt

Rumours of acute shortage of salt and shopkeepers selling it at higher prices emerged on Friday triggering panic among people

New Delhi, Nov 12: The Delhi government on Saturday formed several teams to check the sale of salt by shopkeepers on exorbitant prices.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Imran Hussain assured the residents that there is no shortage of salt and public should not pay any attention to rumours.

The teams, that will comprise officials of Food and Supplies and Weight and Measures Departments, will prosecute defaulters selling salt above the maximum retail price (MRP) on the spot.

Hussain, who convened an emergency meeting on Saturday morning with Food and Supplies Commissioner and other senior officers of the department, also announced a helpline number (011 23370841) where one can complain about over-charging.

He had held a similar meeting on Friday late night as well after rumours of acute shortage of salt and shopkeepers selling it at higher prices emerged.

Taking cognizance of the rumours, Hussain had also conducted surprise inspections in the old city areas during late hours on Friday.

IANS