NSUI Activists Protest Against Onion Price Rise in Bhubaneswar

NSUI activists in Bhubaneswar staged a protest against the rising prices of onions by selling them at Rs 20 a kg near the official residence of Odisha Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain.

In protest against the rising prices of onions, activists from the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) staged a protest near the official residence of Odisha Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. The activists sold onions at Rs 20 per kg, significantly lower than the current market price of Rs 60-70 per kg.

Protest and Security

As part of their protest, the activists also threw a packet of onions inside the minister’s house, according to the police. To prevent any untoward incidents during the protest, security was beefed up near the minister’s residence.

NSUI’s Allegations

Yashir Nawaz, the state president of NSUI, criticized the state government for failing to control the skyrocketing prices of onions in Odisha. He pointed out that in 2015, the BJD government had launched the Onion Mission with an allocation of Rs 15 crore to boost onion production in the state. However, Nawaz alleged that the mission had failed to yield any significant results.

Government’s Response

Meanwhile, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak attributed the onion price hike to factors beyond the state government’s control. He stated that onion prices have increased in other states as well, making it a national issue. Nayak urged the central government to address the problem.

The state government, on its part, is taking action against traders who are hoarding onions to create an artificial scarcity, Nayak added.

The protest by NSUI activists highlights the growing concerns among consumers over the rising prices of onions. The state and central governments need to work together to address this issue and ensure that onions are available at affordable prices for consumers.