Delhi govt to charge 6 pc commission from traders, not farmers

In a move to reduce the prices of fruits and vegetables in the national capital, the Delhi government today decided to implement the High Court's order to charge six per cent commission from the traders and not the farmers.
The decision, however, faced opposition from some traders who met Minister of Development Girish Soni two days back and threatened to go on strike on February 3 if the order to charge commission from them is not held in abeyance, the government said in a release issued by it.
The government said that it was made clear to the traders that the decision to charge commission from them was in accordance to the law as well as orders of the court and if they were aggrieved they should move the Supreme Court.

The government also said in its release, that Soni met with the heads of various 'mandis' who assured that they will wholly or partially implement the Delhi High Court's orders as it is in public interest.
Meanwhile, in view of the threat made by the traders, the government is "thinking of initiating stern measures including evoking of ESMA, as the proposed threat by the traders is likely to affect essential services", the release said.
"Government is also contemplating cancellation of licenses in respect of those traders who are not willing to comply with the orders. It has been made clear that the government will not tolerate any sort of indiscipline amongst the traders which affect the common masses for petty financial gains.

"Government is also exploring the possibilities of associating NAFED, Mother Dairy for providing fruits and vegetables through their vendors," the release said.
Delhi Police has been asked to provide adequate security and to ensure there is no blockage on roads due to the proposed strike.