Facing criticism for the spiralling prices of daily commodities, the Delhi government has decided to sell wheat flour at subsidised rates from 132 outlets across the city. Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said initially only 10-kg packets of wheat flour will be available for Rs 139 as against the market rate of Rs 180 to Rs 200.

Officials said the government may issue 5-kg packets of wheat flour through the scheme later. If introduced, these will cost Rs 70, according to officials.

Food and Supplies Minister Harun Yusuf said the subsidised flour will be sold at 84 Kendriya Bhandar outlets, eight outlets of the National Consumer Cooperative Federation (NCCF) and 40 selected outlets at circle offices of the Food and Supplies department. The government has reportedly tied up with flour mills for grinding and packaging of wheat.

“The nutrition level of the wheat flour will be as per specifications laid down under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954,” Yusuf said.

Dikshit said the government has also decided to resume the sale of four popular pulses at revised rates at 288 Mother Dairy outlets in the city from Saturday.

“Kala chana will be available at Rs 36 per kg, kabuli chana at Rs 50, chana dal at Rs 35 and rajma chitra at Rs 44 per kg,” she said.

Arhar and moong dal will not be sold at these outlets, she added.